Odds are, your body is not receiving enough magnesium.
While your doctor may be able to identify your need for a magnesium supplement by analyzing your diet, or, through a blood test, these methods aren’t always accurate.
Fortunately, access to magnesium in a supplemented form doesn’t require a prescription, and by reviewing the following signs below, you’ll likely be able to self-identify if you’re magnesium deficient.
Fast Food
If you are a person who consumes fast or processed food regularly, you likely have a magnesium deficiency. While foods like bananas and avocados naturally contain magnesium, processed foods barely contribute to your daily magnesium needs at all.
Carbonated Beverages
People who consistently consume darkly coloured pops are likely to have magnesium deficiencies. This is largely due to the fact that the phosphates found in these pops bind with magnesium inside the digestive tract, causing magnesium to become unusable. These drinks flush magnesium right out of your body, as well as cause a variety of other health concerns.
Pastries, Cakes & High-Sugar Treats
Refined sugar contains zero magnesium, while also causing the body to flush out magnesium that was already present within the body. Therefore, the more sweet foods you consume, the more likely you are to have a magnesium deficiency.
Caffeinated Drinks
People who drink coffee and tea every day are more apt to have a magnesium deficiency as caffeine pressures kidneys to release extra magnesium, rather than putting the mineral it to good use.
Alcohol
Alcohol lowers magnesium levels as it pushes the mineral to be processed and excreted by the kidneys, instead of being absorbed into the blood stream. Therefore, those who drink alcohol regularly, as well as long-term alcoholics, are more likely to have magnesium deficiencies.
Calcium Supplements
Creating a balance between calcium and magnesium intake is important. Having too much calcium in the body tenses and excites muscles and nerves, creating restlessness. Magnesium, however, counteracts these side effects as the mineral performs the opposite effect – relaxing and calming muscles and nerves. If you experience muscle pain and tension or consume calcium supplements, be sure you are receiving enough magnesium in your diet.
Anxiety & Insomnia
Those who battle insomnia and anxiety are likely to also be suffering from a magnesium deficiency. Insomnia can be brought on by a number of factors, including stress, depression, and anxiety. As a natural solution to both insomnia and nighttime anxiety, magnesium glycinate can calm muscles and reduce the release of stress hormones, allowing you to relax and receive a more restful sleep.
Muscle Cramping & Restless Leg Syndrome
Muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome can both cause a huge disturbance in your everyday life, especially as you attempt to fall asleep at night. Adding a magnesium glycinate supplement to your daily diet can reduce many of the throbbing and uncomfortable symptoms that come along with these issues.
Fibromyalgia
Those with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience magnesium deficiency. Often misdiagnosed, fibromyalgia patients may just be suffering from side effects of their extreme magnesium deficiency. Symptoms include muscle weakness, spasms, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, stiffness, and muscle pain
