Magnesium – Are You Missing Out?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is used by the body in over 300 different biochemical processes. Because magnesium is so widely used, it is easy for it to become depleted.

Common signs of magnesium deficiency include

• Muscular cramps and spasms,
• Headaches,
• Eye twitches
• Decreased resilience to stress.

Magnesium deficiency is surprisingly more common than you may think.
Do You Need More?

While magnesium is critically important in the body, it also requires other vitamins and minerals to complement its function.  Common presentations of magnesium deficiency can include;

Stress: During times of stress there is an increased requirement for magnesium. If stress persists, this can often result in magnesium deficiency, which then heightens the stress response.

Cardiovascular support: Magnesium is a great supportive nutrient for heart health. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and support healthy heart function.

Irregular blood glucose levels: Magnesium can help regulate blood glucose levels, therefore decreasing fluctuations between hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.

Restless legs and cramps: Muscular cramps, tension and spasms are commonly associated with magnesium deficiency. Magnesium has therapeutic applications in enhancing muscle relaxation and relieving spasms.

Fatigue : In every cell we have our own powerhouses, known as mitochondria. To produce good amounts of energy for our body and brain, these powerhouses need magnesium.

Magnesium Food Inclusions

Magnesium comes in a wide variety of foods, from nuts and seeds, to leafy greens and grains. Include these nutrient-rich foods in your diet to support your magnesium status:

•    Nuts and seeds – Raw almonds, cashews, brazil  nuts,walnuts, pepitas and sesame seeds.
•    Green leafy vegetables  -Kale, silver beet, chard and spinach.
•    Whole grains– Quinoa, buckwheat  and rye are high in magnesium.
•    Dark    chocolate – Feel like a  treat?  Raw cacoa  is  also  high in magnesium and makes a great guilt free treat in moderation.