Magnesium is a mineral which is present in large amounts in the body. According to researchers, the average individual has around 25 grams of magnesium and half of this amount is in the bones and 1% is in the blood. Magnesium is crucial for more than 300 chemical reactions that keep the body working properly.
These are only some of the functions magnesium is responsible for:
- Transportation of calcium, silica, vitamins D and K
- Activation of the muscles and nerves
- Creation of energy in the body
- Detoxification
- Easier digestion of proteins, carbs, and fat
- It plays the role of a building block for RNA and DNA synthesis
- It acts as a precursor for neurotransmitters like serotonin
Magnesium deficiency occurs when there is not enough magnesium in the body. This health problem may lead to numerous other health issues like memory loss, muscle cramps, anxiety, etc. The most common indicators of magnesium deficiency are the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Personality changes
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Coronary spasms
- High blood pressure
- Blood clots
What causes magnesium deficiency?
Modern farming techniques deplete the minerals and vitamins from the soil in which our food is grown. This is especially the case with fields treated with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. When food is grown is such soils, it lacks magnesium.
Other very common reasons of magnesium deficiency may be certain illnesses like kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, and parathyroid problems. Other triggers can be aging, certain antibiotics for diabetes and cancer, and excessive intake of alcohol.
How to increase the levels of magnesium?
You can opt for magnesium supplements, but, in order to benefit from them, they need to contain calcium and vitamins D3 and K2 in order for the body to absorb it adequately.
Another option is a bath with Epsom salt which allows the body to absorb magnesium through the skin. A third option is to apply magnesium oil. And, last but certainly not least, you should eat foods that are rich in magnesium such as:
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Lentils
- Chocolate
- Figs
- Okra
- Seeds
- Squash
- Rice
- Spinach
Source: Health Tips Portal