Are you low in magnesium?

Although we have talked in general about lots of people being low in magnesium, it begs the querstion are you low in Magnesium?  Given we can’t take a test, what are the signs you can look for to see if you are low magnesium?

  • Anxiety
  • Times of hyperactivity
  • Difficulty getting to sleep
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Muscle spams and muscle cramping
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Facial tics
  • Eye twitches or involuntary evey movements

In clinic we often see clients who’s muscles are really tight or contracted.  Without magnesium in our body our muscles would be in a constant state of contraction.  It should be noted that calcium causes our muscles to contract.  While calcium and magnesium have actions that oppose each other they function as a team.  So you must always consider your calcium levels when considering your magnesium levels.

References

Seelig M, Rosanoff A. The Magnesium Factor. New York: Avery Books; 2003

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