Magnesium: Are You Getting Enough?

Magnesium is found in every cell in your body and every cell needs magnesium in order to function properly. Despite its importance, low Magnesium levels are a common problem in most western countries and recent studies show 50% of adults are getting less than the recommended daily requirements.

Why is magnesium important?

Magnesium plays many crucial roles in the body, such as supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production.

One of its main roles is to act as a cofactor — a helper molecule — in the biochemical reactions continuously performed by enzymes. It’s involved in more than 600 reactions in your body, including:

• Energy & metabolism:?converting food into energy
• Protein formation:?creating new proteins from?amino acids
• Gene maintenance:?helping create and repair DNA and RNA
• Muscle movements:?aiding in muscle contraction and relaxation
• Nervous system regulation:?regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system

Low magnesium levels don’t always cause symptoms, but some of the more common symptoms are:

• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Muscle twitches, spasms or cramps
• Stress and anxiety
• Asthma
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Poor sleep quality

Meanwhile chronically low magnesium levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and dementia.

What can I eat to increase my magnesium levels?

Nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, leafy vegetables, milk, yogurt and fortified foods are good sources.

Do you struggle with chocolate cravings?

Believe it or not, but chocolate cravings could be a symptom of low magnesium, especially around that time of the month. Check out my latest Facebook post to learn more about magnesium and hormone balancing.