Best Food Sources of Magnesium + A Delicious Way to Hydrate!
Magnesium plays in a key role in over 300 metabolic functions in the human body, and is essential for things like energy production, hormonal balance, sleep and exercise recovery. If you think you may be lacking in magnesium (hint: most people are!) start getting more of these magnesium-rich foods in your daily diet!
Some Common Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms Include:
GI issues, such as constipation or incomplete bowel movements
Cramping (muscle, abdominal and period cramps)
PMS
Fatigue
Poor sleep
Anxiety
Headaches
High blood pressure
Muscle pain or fibromyalgia
Joint issues, such as osteoporosis
You can learn more about magnesium and the symptoms of deficiency here.
Best Food Sources of Magnesium
Dark chocolate (sugar-free) or cacao
Avocados
Almonds
Pumpkin Seeds
Seafood (wild salmon, sardines, scallops and other fish and seafood)
Flaxseeds
Chlorophyll rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and arugula
Cashews
Brazil nuts
Millet
Figs
Black beans
Bananas
There are numerous whole foods that contain rich levels of magnesium, including dark chocolate or cacao and avocados. Try this avocado pudding recipe from Downshiftology that combines both of them in a delicious way!
Why Are So Many People Deficient in Magnesium?
The first reason is that our soil is depleted in magnesium and many other minerals, as well as beneficial bacteria. Additionally, if your gut microbiome is not functioning optimally, you won’t be able to properly absorb magnesium, causing a deficiency.
This can occur due to poor diet, alcohol use, sugar intake, gut dysbiosis, leaky gut or the lack of key digestive factors such as hydrochloric acid and enzymes. Stress also causes the body to consume minerals at a high rate, frequently contributing the magnesium depletion.
My Favourite Natural Electrolyte Drink — LMNT
Natural electrolyte drinks free of sugars, artifical sweeteners and artificial flavours can be a helpful (and tasty) way to boost levels of magnesium. Watch out for the ingredients in most electrolyte drinks though, as most contain artificial sweeteners, such as sucrolose (which have now been labelled as a possible carcinogen).
LMNT is my favourite natural electrolyte company that uses optimal ratios of of sodium, magnesium, potassium in so many delicious flavours! This salty drink is the BEST summer refresher and is loaded with health benefits!
Get my favourite LMNT Electrolytes and receive a FREE bonus sample pack with your first order! Raspberry and citrus salt are the best in my opinion, but I’m dying to try grapefruit! ;)
Stay hydrated this summer!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
