Magnesium for Relaxation, Insomnia and Constipation

Many people are very concerned with their calcium intake, however, not so many people are aware of how important magnesium is and the fact that many people are deficient.  Lots of people have trouble getting sufficient vegetables into their diet.  At the end of this post I am posting a link to foods containing magnesium, so you can nourish yourself without supplementing if you want to.

Magnesium’s primary function is enzyme activation.  It also plays a critical role in energy production.  Bones contain 60 percent of the bodies magnesium and the other 40 percent is in the cells.

Several signs of magnesium deficiency are muscle cramps, insomnia, fatigue and irritability.  Some diseases connected to low magnesium are kidney stones, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, PMS, menstrual cramps and insomnia.

I found in my own personal experience that it was useful to supplement with 500 mg for sleep some nights. As it relaxes the body it also helps to move the bowels first thing in the morning, so it can be useful if constipated.  For constipation I take 1000 mg at night just before bed.

The reason why many people are deficient in magnesium is because they eat too many processed foods.  Eating a whole food diet, high in leafy greens, nuts and seeds is a great way to get more magnesium in your diet.  It is also better to get nutrients from food whenever possible as the foods are easier to digest than supplements.

HEALTHY RECIPE FOR NUTRIENT DENSE SMOOTHIE

Here is a recipe I created for a high vitamin and mineral smoothie.

SESAME FLAX SEED SMOOTHIE

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 tablespoons flax seeds whole (do not use pre-ground flax seeds they may rancid)

1 banana

1 handful fresh lettuce

I tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon chlorella

1 – 4 drops stevia

fresh water

I created this recipe a year or so ago as I wanted one that was affordable for most people.  Some recipes have so many expensive ingredients that they don’t work for people with lower incomes. This will keep you nourished and regular for a low price.  Please note this recipe is for two people.

It’s important to drink this drink within five minutes of making it as the flax seeds become sticky fast and it is not so enjoyable then.

This smoothie contains all the 8 essential amino acids and more, so even if you don’t eat well for the rest of the day you will have had a nutrient dense drink to start to your day.  It should fill you up for three to four hours.

Here is a link to foods highest in magnesium content http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75 

Bibliography

Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Michael T Murray ND 1996 Prima Publishing

www.whfoods.com

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/flaxseed-expire-11185.

Magnesium for Relaxation, Insomnia and Constipation