Studies warn that even 90% of people lack magnesium in their bodies, and this has its consequences on blood pressure, immunity, metabolism, and causes various other health issues. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
The deficiency of this essential mineral is common these days, and this is due to several factors. First of all, the poor soil leaves plants low in magnesium, as well as animals who consume them.
Water is also poor in magnesium, as chlorine and fluoride in the water attach to the magnesium. The levels of magnesium are also reduced by the consumption of sugar and caffeine.
These are the most common warning signs of magnesium deficiency:
Muscle spasms and cramps
The lack of magnesium leads to muscle cramps and spasms which cause stiffness of muscles.
High blood pressure/Hypertension
The sufficient levels of magnesium in the body regulate blood pressure, as shown in a research from the University of Harvard. Other studies have shown that magnesium supplements effectively reduce high blood pressure. Researchers at the University of Harvard found that the risk of high blood pressure was 70% lower in women with proper or increased magnesium levels.
Sleep problems
Magnesium affects the night sleep and prevents insomnia as it relaxes the body can also affect the good night sleep. It helps in defeating insomnia as it helps in relaxing the body. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain to enter a restful phase, and magnesium helps the proper function of the GABA receptors in the brain.
Arteries calcification
Magnesium deficiency leads to this serious condition, which is related to heart issues, heart diseases, and heart attacks. Patients who have suffered a heart attack receive a magnesium chloride injection to stop the calcification and blood clotting.
Hormone problems
The magnesium levels are reduced as the estrogen and progesterone levels in women are increased. Due to this, pregnant women suffer from leg cramps in the second half of their menstrual cycle, as estrogen and progesterone levels are increased.
Chocolate contains magnesium, so the need for chocolate can sometimes be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Women who often suffer from muscle cramps and PMS symptoms should take magnesium supplements before the symptoms begin.
Bone health
Magnesium is as important for the health of the bones as calcium, so if the body lacks it, the bones will suffer numerous problems.
It is needed for vitamin D, in order to improve the absorption of calcium, as the intake of vitamin D reduces the magnesium levels.
Low energy
Magnesium is of great importance for the processes which create the ATP energy within the cells, and its lack can cause low energy, fatigue, and a lack of desire.
Pregnancy complaints
The low magnesium levels can affect the mood during pregnancy, due to the hormone imbalance. Its intake will prevent preterm labor, hypertension, headaches, and cramps during pregnancy.
Deficiencies of other minerals
Magnesium is needed for the proper absorption and use of other nutrients as well, including potassium, calcium, Vitamin K and D, potassium.
Anxiety and depression
This mineral, together with calcium and glutamate, hangs out in the synapse between two neurons, and it serves as a defender when the NMDA receptor is activated. Therefore, if the body lacks magnesium, the receptors lack their defender and this can cause neuron damage and cell death.
How to increase the magnesium levels?
You can take magnesium supplements, in the form of pills or solutions. However, they can sometimes lead to kidney and digestive issues. The magnesium solutions can be applied topically on the skin, and it will go directly into the tissue and the blood.
In this way, the levels will be increased faster, and the function of the kidneys will be quickly restored.
The following foods are also high in magnesium:
- Banana
- Black beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Almonds
- Dark chocolate
- Spinach
- Chard
- Avocado
- Figs
