Magnesium seems to be gaining increasing popularity as a supplement and for good reason. Many of our team may recommend the use of magnesium as a spray or as an Epsom salt bath to ease aching joints and muscles.
Magnesium plays a huge part on so many of our bodily functions and is an essential mineral, but many studies alarmingly show that around half of us do not get enough of it naturally in our diet, especially those who consume more processed foods.
A lack of magnesium is often linked with many health conditions such as heart and circulatory issues, headaches, diet related diabetes and even Alzheimer’s.
So what symptoms may you experience if you are low on magnesium?
Many symptoms such as chronic inflammation, raised blood pressure, tiredness, headaches, muscle pains/cramps/twitching, poor sleep, IBS, brain fog, confusion, and anxiety may all be linked to a shortage of magnesium. A deficiency may of course not be the only reason for these issues.
So what foods are rich in magnesium?
A diet rich in natural, non processed foods which includes beans such as lentils and chickpeas, seeds like flax and chia, whole grains like oatmeal, buckwheat and quinoa and rich dark green vegetables. Including oily fish such as mackeral and salmon would also help.
Supplementation Supplementing any mineral or vitamin into your diet requires consideration and should be based on your bodies needs, whilst also reflecting upon your health status and prescribed medications. It is always best to ask your GP first before you start anything new and speaking to your local health shop afterwards, once it is deemed to be in your best interests. The dosage recommended will depend on your needs and your age. It may be better for some people to use it as a spray or as bath salts, rather than in tablet form, to assist absorption.
For more help and advice regarding your wellbeing, why not speak to the team or email your questions to us via info@worthingosteopathy.com
