In the US, magnesium deficiency is incredibly high. Research shows that 48% of Americans aren’t getting enough in their diet<1> and some health experts feel it’s closer to 80%<2>. So, there’s a good chance you’re already deficient, and here are some signs your body is asking for an extra hit of magnesium;
- Dark chocolate cravings – With 95 mg of magnesium in each square of dark chocolate, your body is literally saying “I could use some more of that”. I rarely say no to such a request. Milk chocolate lovers—sadly, it contains much less.
- Tense muscles – In the body, calcium’s big job is to contract muscles and magnesium relaxes muscles. This is why they’re so prevalent in our bones—our heart is a muscle and it’s important to have lots of these minerals on hand. Low levels become a “relaxation problem”. Our muscles contract better than they relax, causing tight, tense muscles.
- Low energy/high stress – Magnesium helps to give our body energy, and we use extra when we’re under lots of stress.
- Trouble sleeping – Magnesium does a wonderful job at relaxing our muscles so we can sleep deeper. It can also help to relax restless legs.
