Everyone knows that cramping muscles are a surefire sign that you need magnesium, right?
Well… maybe and maybe not.
Diets that are deficient in magnesium can cause symptoms such as;
• muscle cramping,
• insomnia,
• numbness and tingling,
• PMS, and
• fatigue.
But did you know that calcium deficiency can show the very same signs.
Magnesium and calcium work closely together in your body to ensure healthy bones, nerves and muscles. They work best when they are in balance but when that balance is thrown, things can get nasty.
Magnesium competes with calcium for absorption in the body, so while your chowing down on green leafy vegetables to cope with those cramps, your calcium levels can be taking a dive.
Compounding this is the fact that many over the counter supplements do not contain the correct balance of these minerals and so make the problem worse.
Confused?
No need to be. A close look at your diet can help to alleviate any concerns and give you the confidence to know that you are fuelling your body correctly.
Are you getting enough calcium in your diet – dairy is the obvious but what about other calcium sources such as tahini, broccoli, Asian greens, sardines and salmon (with the bones), white beans, almonds and tofu.
And magnesium – yes there’s the green leafy veg but also look for almonds, cashews, seeds, fish, bananas, brown rice, beans and lentils.
And when in doubt remember that balance is the key.
