Are you Deficient in Magnesium?

Magnesium is the partner mineral to calcium. Typically, wherever calcium is needed in the body, magnesium is also required. Magnesium is Nature’s relaxation and anti-stress mineral, since it plays an important role in helping our bodies combat stress. It is necessary for healthy artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle and nerve function, yet experts estimate that approximately 80 percent of the population in North America may be deficient in this important mineral. Magnesium is vitally important to our health and wellbeing. It is involved in the production of energy for most of our bodily processes and even the structuring of our basic genetic material is dependent on adequate amounts of magnesium. Your body also requires adequate supplies of magnesium to manufacture the approximately 500 enzymes needed for basic life and metabolic functions.

FOOD SOURCES OF MAGNESIUM

• almonds
• sesame seeds
• sunflower seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• figs
• lemons
• apples

SYMPTOMS OF A MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY

• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic fatigue
• Confusion
• Cravings for chocolate
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Epilepsy or convulsions
• Excessive body odor
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Hyperactivity or restlessness
• Inability to control bladder
• Insomnia
• Irritability or anxiety
• Muscle cramps or muscle tension
• Nervous tics or twitches, or muscles that twitch or spasm
• Pain in knees or hips
• Painful and cold feet or hands
• Restless legs, especially at night
• Seizures, convulsions, or tremors
• Sensitive or loose teeth
• PMS or painful periods

  Of course, many symptoms overlap with other conditions, so just because you have some of the symptoms above doesn’t necessarily mean you are deficient in magnesium. If you have any health conditions, you should consult a qualified physician. If you suspect a magnesium deficiency, consult a qualified nutritionist for testing. A typical dose of magnesium is 800 mg. daily and is usually taken with calcium supplements. Supplementing with calcium and not taking magnesium can cause a depletion of the body’s reserves of magnesium.