Do you feel tired most of the time? Do you crave chocolate a lot? Do you get frequent headaches? These could be signs you’re lacking in magnesium.
If you experience from one or more of these you could be included in the large percentage of the population who are suffering from a magnesium deficiency. It can often go completely unnoticed, but magnesium it is one of the most essential minerals needed by the body.
Why Do We Need Magnesium?
Magnesium is used for over 300 biochemical reactions within the body, from blood pressure regulation and muscle contraction to brain and bone health. Our bodies need it for:
- Blood pressure regulation
- Muscle function
- Immune system function
- Energy Production
- Brain function
- Maintaining healthy bones and teeth
- Protein synthesis
- Blood sugar levels
So with such a varied and important role in our bodies, lacking this essential mineral can have detrimental effects on health.
5 Signs You’re Lacking In Magnesium
1. Tiredness
You may be tired because you spent last night catching up on the new Netflix series. But you could be tired because your magnesium levels are too low.
Magnesium plays a significant role in normal energy-yielding metabolism by activating ATP, known as the energy molecule. That means it helps us release energy from the food we eat. So without it, we feel tired and fatigued.
2. Muscle twitches
Without enough magnesium your muscles can contract involuntarily, causing painful muscle cramps and twitches. This is because it plays an essential role in activating both nerves and muscles within the nervous system.
3. Headaches
Research by Mauskop and JVarughese (2011) found that over 50% of migraine suffers also suffer from a magnesium deficiency too. So if you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, it could be worth talking to your doctor about your magnesium levels.
4. Mood
Magnesium is thought of by some as ‘natures chill pill’. That’s because of to its relationship with the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Magnesium binds to GABA, causing anxiety-related brain activity to be counteracted.
5. Insomnia
Low magnesium levels can prevent the brain from relaxing at night. That’s because it plays a key role it in your central nervous system. Taking a magnesium supplement will help relax the brain and allow you to doze off easier.
