How do you know if your magnesium level is low?
We are definitely moving into flu season, so today I want to talk about how to help your body maintain optimum healthy function by concentrating on magnesium.
The body needs magnesium—a mineral involved in more than 300 biochemical processes. Magnesium is responsible for the proper growth and maintenance of bones; the proper function of nerves and muscles, and it helps maintain a strong heartbeat.
Magnesium aides in neutralizing stomach acid and moves waste through intestines. It’s important for making DNA, and maintains brain function by relaying signals between your brain and body.
It also reduces stress and promotes rest by helping the body produce melatonin—a hormone that supports relaxation and sleep. (BTW: stress decreases magnesium levels and increases adrenaline—hello insomnia!)
Magnesium helps relieve aches, pains, stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain in the body by regulating the fluid retention in cells and removing toxins. It helps maintain optimum pH levels.
Magnesium is IMPORTANT.
How do you know if you’re deficient in magnesium without a blood test? Here’s some common symptoms:
kidney and liver damage
migraine headaches
restless leg syndrome
worsened PMS symptoms
insomnia and trouble sleeping
osteoporosis
tooth cavities
muscle weakness and cramps
impotence
constipation
anxiety
What depletes body magnesium levels?
stress
alcohol consumption
eating processed foods including flour, sugar, soups, condiments, soda, cereal, rice, pasta, bread, etc. (substitute processed for natural organic, or make your own from unprocessed ingredients)
taking antibiotics
taking certain drugs like high blood pressure and diuretics
depleted soil conditions that grow food or provide food for animals
chemicals in water supply
Lucky for us, there’s a whole list of foods you can eat that are naturally high in magnesium such as:
spinach, Swiss chard, leafy vegetables
sea vegetables such as kelp and dulse
nuts and seeds like almonds, cashes, walnuts, pumpkin seeds
fruits like avocado and banana
cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussel sprouts
dark chocolate (totally my fav)
How do I know what to eat on this list? I listen to my body and eat what it craves. Looking over this list, I usually have at least 4 of these items daily, because that’s what my body wants. Pay attention to what your body wants.
The other way to get more magnesium naturally is by taking Epsom salt baths or foot soaks. The magnesium and sulfate found in the Epsom salt is absorbed through your skin. I don’t have a bathtub, but I do foot soaks and man, can I tell a difference. My feet feel so much better, the aches of the day are totally relieved.
An Epsom salt bath is known to promote better sleep, soothe sore muscles from exercise, and can help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.
NOTE: For a foot soak, use ½-1 cup Epsom salt to 1 gal warm water. For a bath use 1-2 cups Epsom salt. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Store salt in a dry place.
Treat your body well. Nourish it, love it, listen to it. Maintain it as you would your most prized treasure, which can include getting more magnesium.
And as always, I’m available for private or gallery sessions if you need deeper understanding, support, or guidance through energy work or intuitive life coaching.
If you’d like to learn a couple powerful techniques for having more energy, watch my free video Take Back Your Energy.
If you’d like to learn how to help bring more love to yourself, your families, your neighborhoods, cities, and the world, watch this video on a simple way to change fear energy to Love by using our waterways.