If you struggle with muscle cramps, poor sleep, constant fatigue, and even migraines, you might not be getting enough magnesium. It’s one of the fourth most-abundant minerals in your body, responsible for more than just providing your body with energy, and without a consistent supply, you are at risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and in some cases, Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are 8 signs your body is not getting enough magnesium:
Common low magnesium symptoms
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Fatigue
- Low mood
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Weaker bones
Magnesium is responsible for a range of functions in the body, from maintaining electrolytes and hydration to regulating muscle and nerve functioning and energy production and metabolism. It’s also very important for the absorption of other critical minerals, including sodium, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
How to treat low magnesium
The first plan of action is to look at your diet. Many foods contain a good, even high, amount of magnesium. The recommended daily amount for women is 270 mg, and 300 mg for men. Focusing on a wide selection of foods to incorporate into your daily diet can help your body get a consistent or regular dose of magnesium. Common and readily available foods include:
- Green leafy vegetables: like spinach, marogo, kale, and swiss chard
- Nuts and seeds: like almonds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds
- Whole grains: including brown rice, wheat bread, or any other unrefined grains
- Legumes: like beans, lentils and chickpeas
- Fruit: like bananas and avocados
However, if your diet alone is still not helping ease your symptoms, your doctor may recommend supplements. Magnesium supplements come in different forms, like magnesium citrate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium lactate and magnesium chloride. Some supplements are absorbed better than others, depending on your body and the medications you may be taking.
Refrain from taking supplements without talking to your doctor first. Although they are generally safe, if you suffer from a chronic condition, you may experience side effects. When taken in excess, these side effects become very serious and may include diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramping, irregular heartbeat and even cardiac arrest.
With the right diet and supplemental plan, you should be getting in enough magnesium for your body to be healthy and function well.
