The food we eat every day has a profound impact on our health, which is why it’s important to have a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. However, the diet has changed over the last few decades, going from bad to worse. Nowadays, the usual western diet is robbed of essential nutrients and is the main reason for numerous diseases and conditions.
For example, most of us are lacking magnesium – this mineral is important for the proper function of our organs since it’s responsible for our energy levels and the synthesis of proteins and fats. Magnesium prevents cardiovascular diseases and keeps the heart safe from harm, regulates our blood pressure and insulin levels, and plays a part in the blood clotting process. As you can see, it’s very important for our body, which is why we should always keep its levels in the optimal range.
Magnesium is found in foods such as nuts, legumes, fortified cereal, bananas, spinach and avocados. You may think that you’re probably safe as you eat these foods, but the truth is that we only absorb 30-40% of the daily recommended intake of magnesium, which stands at 400 mg. This leads to magnesium deficiency and numerous health problems, but luckily it can all be avoided by paying attention to the signals our body sends when we consume less of the minerals. Here are the 10 signs of magnesium deficiency you shouldn’t ignore:
- Nocturnal leg cramps
If you’ve been suffering from painful nocturnal leg cramps, it’s usually because of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is important for the proper contraction of our muscles, so when it’s not there, you may experience cramps. This is why it’s recommended to take magnesium supplements every and eating magnesium-rich foods.
- Migraines and headaches
Constant migraines and headaches have been related to magnesium deficiency, so make sure you’re taking enough of the mineral every day. According to a study, taking a magnesium supplement can reduce the intensity of migraines, which shows that there’s a connection.
- Asthma
Respiratory problems such as asthma are related to magnesium deficiency. In one study, the symptoms of asthma reduced with high magnesium intake, which is a clear sign that lack of the mineral may be causing the problem.
- Constipation
Magnesium is in charge of proper intestinal function and can cause problems such as constipation.
- High blood pressure
Hypertension is one of the most common disease of today. It’s a big cause for concern, but luckily, it can be relieved by increasing your magnesium intake.
- Insomnia and chronic fatigue
If you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, it could be a symptom of magnesium deficiency. Eat foods rich in the mineral to fall asleep better and rest properly overnight. The same problem can cause chronic fatigue as well, and can be resolved by taking magnesium supplements as well.
- Depression
According to a study, people younger than 65 who have sufficient magnesium levels in their body are 22% more likely to suffer from depression. If you’re suffering from depression, increasing your magnesium intake may help.
- Calcium deficiency
Calcium is important for proper magnesium absorption in the body, so if you’re lacking magnesium, you’re probably lacking calcium as well.
- Anxiety
Lack of magnesium in the body affects the central nervous system and may cause anxiety. By increasing your magnesium intake, you should be more relaxed and will get rid of the anxiety in just a short time.
- Sweet cravings
If you’re suddenly cravings sweets, you may be suffering from magnesium deficiency. Lack of the mineral in the body can cause sweet food cravings, but luckily, eating dark chocolate (which is rich in magnesium) can satisfy your appetite.
Many of the health problems we’re facing today are related to nutritional deficiencies such as lack of magnesium. They can be easily resolved by consuming foods rich in vitamins or mineral, but this should become your new lifestyle, not a temporary measure.
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