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Magnesium is important. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body and is needed for over 300 chemical reactions in the body.
Magnesium is also needed to help other minerals do their job. Without magnesium, these other minerals, such as Calcium and Chromium, do not work as efficiently.
Do you have a diet that includes a lot of Magnesium-rich foods? Magnesium is naturally present in many foods. Rich sources of magnesium are:
- greens, (79mg per 100g)
- avocado, (29mg per 100g)
- nuts, (229mg per 100g)
- seeds, (592mg per 100g)
- dry beans, (eg black beans 76mg in 86g)
- whole grains (eg buckwheat 56mg in 28g)
- dark chocolate (64mg in 28g)
As a bit of a chocoholic, I was very pleased to know that eating dark chocolate, with over 70% cocoa, is good for me!
To increase Magnesium levels you can use a Magnesium lotion or have Epsom Salts baths. Epsom Salts are made up of Magnesium Sulphate.
Do you think you may have Magnesium deficiency?
Not having enough Magnesium in your diet can cause a large list of symptoms.
Some early symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:
loss of appetite
nausea / vomiting
fatigue and weakness
brain fog
triggering of migraines and headaches
weakness of hair and nails
There are also emotional effects of Magnesium deficiency, such as low mood. Magnesium increases GABA (Gama Aminobutyric Acid) levels in the body, which encourages relaxation. Low GABA levels can make it difficult to relax.
As well as finding it difficult to relax, low GABA levels can interfere with sleep. People with low Magnesium levels often experience restless sleep, waking frequently during the night.
As magnesium deficiency worsens, symptoms may include:
numbness
tingling
muscle cramps
abnormal heart rhythms
During menopause, the symptoms of Magnesium deficiency can sometimes actually be mistaken for hormonal problems when, in fact, they are just a lack of Magnesium. Once this is known, it is easy to put right - start to eat Magnesium-rich foods and bathe in Epsom Salts!
Here is a factsheet if you would like to read more about Magnesium and Magnesium Deficiency.
Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium helps with hundreds of enzyme systems that regulate reactions in the body. Here are 5 benefits of Magnesium:
1. Relaxes muscles and stops cramping
Magnesium regulates muscle contractions and allows muscles to relax, by counteracting the contracting effects of calcium. Both minerals work together to contract and relax the muscles in your body, including your heart.
If there is a Magnesium deficiency you may get restless legs.
2. Balances your blood glucose levels
Magnesium prevents sugar cravings and diabetes by balancing your blood sugar levels. Magnesium is needed to get sugar into your cells quickly so your body can do what it needs to do.
Low levels of Magnesium are associated with insulin resistance. A Magnesium deficiency is often seen in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
3. Prevents migraines
Women who suffer from migraines tend to have low Magnesium levels.
Low Magnesium levels, cause the arteries to the brain to contract. Chemicals are released into the blood, and this causes a sensitivity to pain.
4. Improves your energy levels
Magnesium creates energy by activating ATP, which are units of energy, in cells. Magnesium with B vitamins and CoQ10, work together to produce energy.
5. Makes your bones strong and healthy, by contributing to bone development
Magnesium influences the types of cells the body needs for bone growth and repair. It activates calcium and Vitamin D, working with them to grow and repair bones.
How much Magnesium do you need daily?
In the UK, the daily recommended allowance is 270mg.
You can check that you have the recommended amount of Magnesium in your blood by having a blood test.
Did you know that there are a number of homeopathic remedies made with Magnesium?
These include Magnesium Carbonicum, Magnesium Muriaticum, Magnesium phosphoricum, and Magnesium Sulphuricum.
Is homeopathy for you?
Homeopathy is used all over the world for so many health issues. Whether you have a big health issue that is stopping you from getting on with your life, or niggly health 'annoyances', feel free to contact me if you think I may be able to help.
Next steps
If you would like to speak to me about how homeopathy may help I offer a free 30 minute discovery call. During this call, we talk about you, your symptoms, and how they are affecting you. I will ask you some questions to see if homeopathy may be beneficial to you.
I am always happy to hear from you.
Naziana x
