Did you know that magnesium is super crucial for your body? Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in the body, second only to calcium. Admittedly  I never really gave much thought to getting enough magnesium. You certainly don’t hear about magnesium as much as other crucial minerals like calcium and iron.

I’m sure you already know that calcium is essential for strong bones and that iron helps carry oxygen through the body. Why do we need magnesium? Magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body and is responsible for the following:

  1. Provides the body with energy and enhances optimal functioning
  2. Maintains and keeps cells healthy
  3. Aids in helping cells communicate with each other
  4. Helps to regulate blood pressure
  5. Prevents insulin resistance
  6. Keeps bones strong
  7. Aids in the prevention of migraine headaches

So how do you know if you’re lacking in this important mineral? Here are some signs that you may be lacking  in magnesium:

• heart disturbances
• issues with nerve conduction and muscle contraction
• muscle cramps and spasms
• poor coordination
• weakness
• chronic fatigue
• headaches ( including migraines and tension headaches)
• appetite loss
• insomnia
• cravings for sweets
• mental confusion
• irritability
• personality changes
• being easily stressed

Did the “cravings for sweets” symptom get your attention? Me too. I’ve found that when I have a craving for sweets if I eat a handful of nuts it will eliminate the craving. If you feel you may be lacking in magnesium try including the following magnesium rich foods into your diet: bran cereal, brown rice, almonds, Swiss chard, molasses, kelp,  buckwheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, millet, rye, tofu and nuts, including almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, peanuts, pecans and English walnuts.