The Importance of Magnesium in Our Bodies and Signs of Deficiency

Often overlooked, magnesium is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in our bodies. It's involved in over 300 metabolic processes, making it the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies. Despite its importance, magnesium deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies today. The implications can be severe, with an increased risk of conditions such as diabetes, poor absorption, chronic diarrhea, coeliac disease, and 'hungry bone syndrome'. This article will delve into the importance of magnesium and explore some common signs that could indicate a deficiency.

The Role of Magnesium in the Body

Magnesium is essential for keeping our teeth and bones strong, balancing hormones, and supporting a healthy nervous and cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, many of us are not getting enough of this crucial nutrient. This can lead to a variety of health problems, and it's important to recognize the signs of magnesium deficiency early on to prevent any long-term damage.

Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

1. Muscle Cramps

Ever experienced painful cramps in your feet or legs while in bed? While muscle cramps can be common, especially in colder weather, they can also be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is crucial for muscle relaxation. When your body is depleted of it, your muscles can involuntarily contract. Twitches, tremors, and cramps can all be signs that you're not getting enough. In severe cases, deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions. If you're experiencing muscle contractions more often than usual, speak to your doctor about testing your magnesium levels.

2. Chocolate Cravings

Constant chocolate cravings may be more than just a sweet tooth in action. Our bodies often crave foods when they're signalling a deficiency in a certain nutrient. Dark chocolate happens to be a brilliant source of magnesium. To reap the benefits, however, opt for a bar with at least 65% cocoa. The darker the chocolate, the higher the magnesium content.

3. Headaches

Did you know that supplementing with magnesium could help alleviate migraines? Studies have shown that low brain magnesium levels could be related to migraine attacks, as magnesium is needed for proper nerve function. If you regularly suffer from migraine-like headaches, it could be beneficial to invest in a daily magnesium supplement. Always consult with your doctor first, especially if you're already on medication or if your headaches persist.

4. Trouble Sleeping

Even a minor deficiency in magnesium can prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. Magnesium plays a key role in your central nervous system, helping to relax our muscles, and also stimulating a neurotransmitter in our bodies called GABA, which has a naturally calming effect on the brain. Next time you're struggling to sleep, try soaking in a magnesium-rich bath of Epsom salts.

5. Anxiety

While it's challenging to directly link anxiety with a lack of magnesium, increasing your intake could help ease the symptoms. A study in France found that a significant number of patients with generalized anxiety disorder reported improvements in their symptoms on a magnesium regimen. Incorporating more magnesium into your diet ensures the 300 processes it affects are operating correctly, which could help you feel more relaxed in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring that we get enough magnesium is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. Infusions with Mg can be an effective way to elevate your magnesium levels.