Maybe it’s a Magnesium Deficiency? Learn the Symptoms.
Magnesium deficiency is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is a low level of magnesium in the body. Nutrients usually act in a coordinated manner in the body. Intestinal absorption and subsequent metabolism of a particular nutrient, to a certain extent, is dependent on the availability of other nutrients. Magnesium and vitamin D are 2 essential nutrients that are necessary for the physiologic functions of various organs. Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones. All of the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D seem to require magnesium, which acts as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions in the liver and kidneys. Deficiency in either of these nutrients is associated with various disorders, such as skeletal deformities, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. It is therefore essential to ensure that the recommended amount of magnesium is consumed to obtain the optimal benefits of vitamin D. – The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, March 2018, Vol. 118, 181-189.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is the ninth most abundant element in the universe.[1] It is produced in large, aging stars from the sequential addition of three helium nuclei to a carbon nucleus. When such stars explode as supernovas, much of the magnesium is expelled into the interstellar medium where it may recycle into new star systems. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust[2] and the fourth most common element in the Earth (after iron, oxygen and silicon), making up 13% of the planet’s mass and a large fraction of the planet’s mantle. It is the third most abundant element dissolved in seawater, after sodium and chlorine.[3]
Are you magnesium deficient?
Most people aren’t getting enough magnesium for several reasons. First of all, a standard diet doesn’t provide all the mineral-rich goodness you need for great health. Mineral-rich foods include leafy greens, legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.
But even if you eat the healthiest, most vibrant diet there is, you’re probably still missing out on magnesium because conventional farming practices have depleted magnesium content in the soil – which means lowered magnesium content in the crops.
Another punch to magnesium is the rise in digestive disorders that negatively affect nutrient absorption from food. Think celiac disease, Crohn’s, IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and food intolerances and allergies. When your digestive health is compromised, you simply can’t absorb nutrients as well.
Finally, indulging in boozy drinks, sugar filled foods and treats, and delicious coffee, further increase magnesium depletion in our bodies. So does medication, and too much exercise.
What are the symptoms of low magnesium?
Common symptoms from magnesium deficiency include:
- Migraines and headaches
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Irritability
- Tremors and Epileptic seizures
- Coma
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Restless leg syndrome (especially at night)
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Poor bone health
So what can you do?
A lot of people find that their health and happiness improves when they start to take in optimal amounts of magnesium. Sufficient magnesium intake supports against headaches, PMS, constipation, muscles spams, and more. So how can you load up on this important nutrient? Here are a few ways:
- Add mineral-rich foods to your diet. Leafy greens like spinach and chard. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, dark chocolate, avocado and banana, and unrefined whole grains.
- Seek out organically-grown produce to support optimal mineral balance.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol as both deplete mineral stores in the body.
- Use Seaflora Skincare, rich in raw, wild, organic seaweeds which are rich in highly bioavailable magnesium.
Focusing on diet is usually best – but absorbing magnesium through the skin might be even better!
Why? Because topical application bypasses the digestive system and delivers magnesium directly to the cells!
One of our favorite ways to absorb magnesium through the skin is to add a handful of our Soothing Sea Kelp Soak to the bath, followed by a smooth application of our Seaweed Body Gel. All of our handcrafted Seaflora Skincare products are naturally rich in magnesium from organic seaweeds.
Seaweeds are the most highly mineralized plant form on earth. Mineral content in land plants ranges from 5-10%, while that of seaweeds leaps to the 20-40% range. Add seaweeds to your food if you like the taste, or use a powdered kelp in smoothies so you don’t taste it! In your fight against magnesium deficiency, Seafloras are your top allies.
