Many North Americans are deficient in this mineral. Are you?

Magnesium is what helps us to produce energy. Having enough magnesium relaxes nerves, relieves tension, therefore helps with sleep.

It is necessary for proper brain, nerve, lung and digestion function. Together with calcium, magnesium allows our nerves to work so they send correct messages to all our organs and muscles so our body can work at an optimal level.

Magnesium plays a role in over 300 chemical reactions in your body. It reduces your risk of diabetes and heart disease plus is keeps other minerals in the body like calcium, sodium and potassium in balance.

For years I struggled with insomnia and restless leg syndrome. I thought it was just a piece of the puzzle that went along with my having  chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. I learned from working with a fibromyalgia specialist that most people with fibro are low in magnesium. Once I removed processed foods from my diet and started eating healthier foods, and added in a good quality magnesium supplement I soon noticed that the restless leg syndrome disappeared and my bouts of insomnia were less. Yes, magnesium  helps with sleep!

Magnesium also helps relax calm overworked muscles. My sister is a long distance runner and she takes additional magnesium after a long run to help relax her tired muscles and relieve muscle cramping.

The Relaxation Mineral

Magnesium is an antidote to stress and it can help improve your sleep. When people are admitted to hospital with an  irregular heart beat they are given magnesium. If pregnant women go into pre-term labour or have high blood pressure they are given intravenous magnesium.

Magnesium deficiency is a huge problem, yet when most people visit their doctors for any of the conditions below they are given drugs which are not addressing the underlying problem — magnesium deficiency.

Conditions that are linked to magnesium deficiency

• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Insomnia
• Diabetes
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to loud noises
• Anxiety
• ADD
• Autism
• Angina
• Constipation
• Anal spasms
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue
• Asthma
• Kidney stones
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• High blood pressure
• PMS
• Palpitations
• Menstrual cramps
• Irritable bladder
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Reflux

Why are we deficient in magnesium?

The answer is simple, we eat a diet that is low in magnesium. Highly processed foods, refined flours, dairy and meat have no magnesium. Magnesium levels decrease when we drink alcohol, coffee and soft drinks and we lose magnesium when we sweat are under stress, take antibiotics or diuretics.

Choosing to eat foods high in magnesium can help.

• Seaweed
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Leafy green vegetables
• Shrimp
• Avocado
• Beans

Taking Magnesium Supplements.

The maximum needed per day is 300mg of magnesium, yet some people might need much more. The most absorbable forms of magnesium are citrate, glycinate or aspartate.

Side effects from taking too much magnesium is diarrhea. Those with kidney disease, heart issues or those on multiple medication need to check with their doctor before adding any supplements to their regime.

Epsom salt baths are another great way to absorb magnesium into your body. A hot Epsom salt bath before bed will do wonders to help you to relax and fall asleep with ease.

One of my favourite ways to supplement with magnesium is to use Ease magnesium spray. I spray it on my arms and legs after my morning shower and before bed. It’s a super easy way to absorb magnesium instead of popping a capsule. To find out more about Ease magnesium, click here. Use this coupon code (SPDA15) to get a discount  at check out if you choose to try Ease.

Let us know in the comments below- Do you take magnesium supplements? Does it help you with sleep?