Magnesium is a mineral found in many types of foods; it plays an
essential role in human DNA production and repair, and in maintaining
healthy bones, nerves and muscles. Though it is readily available, most
Americans do not meet their need for magnesium through their diet. Consider getting your magnesium level checked if you suffer the following 12 symptoms.
1. Low energy. "Magnesium is involved in at least 300 different
chemical reactions in our body, and a lot have to do with energy
production," functional medicine nutritionist Alison Boden told
Reader's Digest. "A sign of low magnesium can be low energy."
2. Twitching or cramping. Because magnesium plays an important
role in muscle relaxation, insufficient intake can result in unintended
muscle movement. "Without magnesium, our muscles would be in a constant
state of contraction," says
Ancient Minerals.
3. Frequent headaches. Magnesium deficiency lowers serotonin
levels, causes blood vessels to constrict and affects neurotransmitter
function, all related to headaches -- especially migraines.
MigraineAgain estimates that 50% of migraine sufferers have a magnesium deficiency.
4. Insomnia. If you're having a hard time falling or staying
asleep, it may be due to low levels of magnesium, particularly if you
are experiencing a lot of stress. Stress hormones increase blood
pressure and heart rate; this is partly accomplished by depleting the
body of its magnesium, explains
Dr. Ronald Hoffman. If there isn't enough magnesium available for the body to replenish itself, sleeping becomes a problem.
5. Irregular heartbeat. With low magnesium levels, the heart can have trouble staying in its regular rhythm.
Lab Tests Online says that doctors often prescribe magnesium supplements for patients who complain of an irregular heartbeat.
6. Increased sensitivity to noise. Not having enough magnesium curtails its role in stabilizing the nervous system,
Hoffman says. This often results in hyperflexia, an enhanced startle reflex.
7
. Seizures. Seizures can result when the nervous system is severely compromised due to lack of magnesium, reports the
National Institutes of Health (NIH).
8. Low bone density. Magnesium plays a major role in bone
formation, and the majority of the body's magnesium is stored in the
bones. "People with higher intakes of magnesium have a higher bone
mineral density," says the
NIH.
9. Constipation. Bowel movements often slow down without enough magnesium in the body.
10. High blood pressure. Magnesium is very important in
maintaining a healthy blood pressure; a deficiency can definitely cause
pressure to be too high. "Eating foods high in magnesium and other
minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with
prehypertension," says
WebMD.
11. Type 2 diabetes. Breaking down blood sugars is another of
magnesium's jobs in the human body. "People with higher amounts of
magnesium in their diets tend to have a lower risk of developing
diabetes," says the
NIH. Research is ongoing to determine whether magnesium therapy can be used in diabetes treatment.
12. Depression, anxiety, confusion or personality changes. Low
levels of magnesium in the brain can affect neurological functions that
result in all sorts of problems. Studies have shown that some phobias --
such as agoraphobia -- have developed as a result of low magnesium
levels,
Dr. Hoffman says. Magnesium has long been used as an effective home remedy for these symptoms, says
Psychology Today in an article titled "Magnesium and the Brain: The Original Chill Pill."
If you suspect that you may be suffering from a magnesium deficiency, it
is advisable to confirm your suspicion with medical testing before
taking supplements. Once you have done this, don't spend and waste money on OTC stuff. Plexus BioCleanse has 95% DV!
