Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. Many biochemical processes in the body include Magnesium, and it is very important for good health. For instance, magnesium contributes to the electrolyte balance, reducing tiredness and exhaustion, to normal muscle function, normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as a normal psychological function. Magnesium is also important since it contributes to maintaining normal teeth and a normal bone structure. Further, magnesium also contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal protein synthesis, as well as also having a role in the process of cell division.
Less than one percent of all magnesium is in the blood. The majority of the magnesium in the body is in the skeleton and intracellularly. The blood levels don't reflect the magnesium levels in the body. That is why it isn't rare to believe that you have good levels while still suffering a real shortage of this important mineral. People with a chronic magnesium deficiency can also have normal levels of magnesium in the blood. Pay attention to these symptoms, which can be a sign of a magnesium deficiency.
1. Problems with memory and poor concentration
If you notice that your memory fails, or that you have trouble with learning or concentrating, it can be the result of a magnesium deficiency. The energy factories in all the cells, the so-called mitochondria, need magnesium to work. Furthermore, the brain is very rich in mitochondria.
2. Chronic headaches and migraine
According to research, people suffering from chronic migraine often have lower levels of magnesium. Magnesium is necessary for the nerve cells in the brain to maintain their electrical potential. If you suffer from a magnesium deficiency, it worsens neurological problems, such as migraine. Research shows that magnesium supplement reduces both the frequency and intensity of migraines and headaches.
3. Tiredness
Chronic tiredness can be the result of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is the second most common intracellular cation, after potassium, and magnesium is involved in more than 600 enzymatic reactions, including energy metabolism. If you have too little magnesium it might affect the energy production negatively, and you won't get alert no matter how much you rest.
4. Constipation
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem. Magnesium is important for the muscles to function normally. The muscles that regulate the bowel contractions need as much magnesium as the muscles around our skeleton. When having magnesium deficiency, the muscles needed to pass the intestinal tracts further down the intestines does not work as they should. Research shows that magnesium can ease chronic constipation and pain experienced during toilet visits.
5. Insomnia and sleeping problems
If you suffer from insomnia, wake up at night, or generally experience bad sleep, it can be caused by magnesium deficiency. Several studies have shown that magnesium improves perceived sleep, and reduces sleeplessness. But it also improves the concentration of the important sleep hormone melatonin.
6. Muscle spasms and restless legs
Magnesium has a part in the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function. Magnesium deficiency can lead to unexplainable muscle spasms and restless legs, but magnesium deficiency can also cause lower coordination, muscle weakness, and painful cramps. This is a common sign of magnesium deficiency. Pregnant women who have magnesium deficiency can experience fewer cramps if they take magnesium supplements.
7. Chronic pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, it can, among other things, be caused by magnesium deficiency. Long-term pain can be related to chronic muscle contraction or that the nerves don't work properly. If you have low levels of magnesium in the body, both the muscle apparatus and the nervous system can function poorly, which can lead to chronic muscle pain.
8. Irregular heart rate – cardiac arrhythmia
Magnesium contributes to regulating the calcium and potassium concentration in all muscle tissues in the body. The muscles in the heart need magnesium as well, in order to contract and relax at the right moment. If you have a magnesium deficiency, you might get an irregular heart rate, also known as cardiac arrhythmia. You can experience either too fast or too slow heartbeats, as well as sudden changes in the heart rate.
9. Numbness and tingling
If you experience numbness and tingling in your body, usually in the hands and feet, it can partly be a result of a magnesium deficiency. The nerve signals need magnesium to be sent correctly. If a magnesium deficiency causes numbness and tingling, it can easily be cured with magnesium supplements.
10. Mood
Magnesium is important to regulate the signal substances, which are needed to regulate things such as our mood. If you have magnesium deficiency your mood can be affected negatively, and you can for instance feel more worried, get irritated easier, or get mood swings.
If you want to take magnesium, it is always best to take one of the highest quality, without hidden magnesium oxide. Greatlife's magnesium is extremely pure, naturally free from gluten, soy, milk products, GMO, herbicides, and pesticides. It is free from hidden substances such as maltodextrin, artificial sweeteners, colourant, conservatives, hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, and magnesium stearate.
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Scientific references and sources
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