That Ain’t Right

Magnesium deficiency is a condition that is often overlooked, yet it can be the cause or a contributing factor to several health problems. Take a look at this list to make sure you’re not experiencing signs of magnesium deficiency.

1.   A SWEET TOOTH - When sugar is refined, the molasses and magnesium are removed. When you overindulge in refined sugar, your body excretes magnesium through the kidneys.

2.   ABNORMAL HEART RHYTHMS - Just as magnesium helps your muscles to keep from cramping, it helps your heart to function properly. If you experience [irregular heartbeats] lack of sufficient magnesium could be a contributing factor.

3.   CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION - When you ingest too much caffeine, your kidneys release magnesium whether your body needs it or not. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, you’re at an increased risk for magnesium deficiency.

4.   CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS - Dark chocolate is filled with magnesium. When your body is craving chocolate, it might be really asking for sufficient magnesium in your diet.

5.   CONSTIPATION - Magnesium helps your intestines relax in the same way it helps blood vessels become more open. If you have enough magnesium, your body also pulls extra water into your bowels, which helps prevent, constipation.

6.   FACIAL TICS - If you experience eye twitches or facial tics, you are very possibly experiencing a magnesium deficit. In fact, these signs are classical clinical tests for calcium and magnesium deficiency.

7.   HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - Many factors contribute to high blood pressure, including magnesium deficiency. Magnesium relaxes your blood vessels, lowering your blood pressure.

8.   INABILITY TO SLEEP - Difficulty getting to sleep can be a sign of magnesium deficiency, as can difficulty staying asleep. Often insomnia and related sleep disturbances are a result of an electrolyte imbalance, which in turn can be caused by low magnesium levels.

9.   INCREASED ALCOHOL INTAKE - If you drink alcohol on a regular basis, the amount of magnesium in your body could be low by as much as thirty percent. Alcohol encourages the kidneys to flush out magnesium and makes the digestive system less effective.

10.       MUSCLE CRAMPS - If you find your muscles cramping up or spasming, magnesium deficiency may be a root cause. Magnesium helps relax your muscles and keeps them from seizing up and cramping.

11.       OVERINDULGENCE IN SODAS - If you drink carbonated beverages daily, you may be flushing much-needed magnesium out of your body. The phosphates contained in most sodas bind with magnesium so your body can’t use it.

12.       STRESS - Stress has a multitude of effects on the body, including increasing heart rate and blood pressure, as well as triggering the release of various hormones. Another result of stress is depletion of the body’s magnesium stores.[i]

[i] Adapted from the article, “Twelve Signs You Need More Magnesium in Your Diet” on blog.thebreastcancersite.com (2015)