Does this sound familiar? Muscle cramps, facial tics, eye twitches, muscle cramps, fatigue, high blood pressure, poor sleep, migraines and chronic pain. It could be that you're not getting adequate magnesium intake. Although blood tests can be done to measure magnesium levels, it might not be as accurate because of testing limitations. There are certain things that cause magnesium deficiency. Here's a partial list:
- DARK SODAS: They contain phosphates. Phosphates bind with magnesium inside the digestive tract, and basically flushes magnesium out of your system.
- SWEET FOODS/TREATS: It's actually the refined sugar that can reduce magnesium levels.
- DON'T STRESS: Both psychological and physical forms of stress require more magnesium use by the body which in turn may lead to deficiency of magnesium.
- CERTAIN MEDICATIONS: Consult your doctor to see if your current medication affects magnesium levels.
- ALCOHOL: It basically lowers magnesium available to the cells by increasing the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys.
Now let's get to the GOOD STUFF! The foods you’ll find that are highest in magnesium are green leafy vegetables! Green leafy vegetables are packed with chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has the ability to absorb the sun’s light and turn it into energy. Here's a list of other foods that have a healthy dose of magnesium:
- Spinach
- Chard
- Pumpkin seeds
- Yogurt or Kefir
- Almonds
- Black Beans
- Avocado
- Figs
- Dark Chocolate
- Banana
- Salmon
- Coriander
- Cashews
- Goat cheese
- Artichokes
- Peanuts
- Popcorn
Of course you can also take magnesium in supplement form. You can type in "RDA magnesium intake chart" to find the latest recommendations.
ALWAYS consult with your doctor when taking supplements to assure proper dosage/safety.
