Magnesium is a highly important mineral for a variety of body functions and processes, but we rarely get enough of it. Most of the people lacking the mineral aren’t even aware of it, which means the problem is rarely resolved on time, resulting in the development of serious new problems.
According to one study, magnesium deficiency should not be taken lightly, as it raises the risk of premature death by twice compared to normal people. Additionally, is causes a long list of symptoms which can range from mild to severe, so resolving the deficiency should become a priority once diagnosed.
Magnesium is one of the main minerals for relaxation and proper sleep, but it also plays a role in other processes and functions.
The importance of magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in the contraction and relaxation of our muscles and is vital for our sleep as well. It controls all the muscles in the human body, so lack of it can cause painful cramps and twitches. Additionally, magnesium has a hand in several hundred enzymatic reactions and helps the cells produce energy. Magnesium also stabilizes our cell membranes and allows some chemicals to work properly. In some hospitals, magnesium is used as an emergency drug for seizures and heart failure, so it’s safe to say it’s pretty important for our overall health.
Here are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency you should pay attention to:
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Increased sensitivity to noises
- Heart palpitations
- Kidney stones
- Acid reflux
- High blood pressure
- Menstrual cramps
- Irritable bladder
Magnesium deficiency has also been linked to inflammation and high CPR levels. It is becoming quite a major health problem around the world, with about 15% of the world’s population lacking this vital mineral.
Why do we lack magnesium?
The reason is pretty simple – we’re just not getting enough of it through food anymore. In the past, the soil and the produce grown in it were rich in magnesium, but industrialization in the past few decades has removed every last trace of magnesium from the soil and the produce, leaving us without the mineral. Another big problem is the unhealthy and busy lifestyle we all lead nowadays. Too much caffeine, alcohol and salt also make the situation worse, and the high stress levels don’t help as well.
As a matter of fact, one recent study showed that people suffering from stress often had very low magnesium levels in their urine, which links magnesium deficiency and stress. This, combined with the low amount of magnesium we get through dietary sources is the reason for our magnesium deficiency.
How to stop losing magnesium and increase its levels
The best way to get more magnesium is eating foods rich in it – if your condition is severe, you may need magnesium supplements. Furthermore, you also need to learn how to relax and consult with your doctor if you’re on certain drugs. Drink less alcohol and coffee and reduce your sugar and sodium intake as well in order to keep your magnesium levels under control.
Here’s a list of foods rich in the mineral:
- Wheat bran
- Brown rice
- Dandelion greens
- Brazil nuts
Add these foods in your diet and you will definitely improve your magnesium levels.