Magnesium is a muscle relaxant. This makes it successful at treating anxiety, muscle spasms or twitches, sleep, headaches/migraines, high blood pressure and constipation just to name a few. I have had such great feedback with patients when using magnesium for all these different ailments. I personally take it every night before bed and I love it!
Do you ever crave chocolate? Menstruating women often report craving chocolate as a result of PMS. Chocolate is actually high in magnesium which means that chocolate cravings could be a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Other foods that are magnesium rich include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit and more. Because our soil and therefore food is not as nutrient dense as it once was, we may not be able to get high enough quantities of magnesium solely through diet. Therefore, supplementation is often necessary.
So what's the downfall of taking magnesium? Nothing really. At most if you take too much magnesium you may end up with some diarrhea as the body tries to excrete whatever it cannot absorb. Nothing to worry about. All you need do is make sure you are taking a well absorbed form of magnesium or decrease the dose and build up to a higher dose. However, be aware that not all magnesium supplements are absorbed the same way. One of the best absorbed supplements is magnesium bisglycinate. The magnesium is bound to 2 organic glycine molecules making it easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Another bonus is that glycine is an amino acid that can cross the blood brain barrier and actually helps decrease anxiety.
After reading above, do you think you may have a magnesium deficiency? I've read stats estimating up to 80% of Americans are deficient, so most likely you do! To learn more about this unique mineral, the dose you would require and how it can help lead you to optimal health, book your appointment with me today!
Dr. Claudia Truglia BSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
50 King St W, Stoney Creek, ON
drtruglia@gmail.com
(905)906-9097
stoneycreekwellness.ca