Magnesium is the 4th most abundant mineral in the human body. It is found in every cell in the body and is an essential component in regulating over 600 different biochemical reactions and bodily functions. It helps convert food into energy, to build new proteins, to repair DNA/RNA, regulate muscle relaxation, and balance neurotransmitters in the brain, nervous system, and gut. It has direct impacts on heart health, blood pressure, immune response, metabolic rates, and more.
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  Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is on the rise, with an estimated 50% of the population in the US and Europe getting less than their daily requirement of magnesium (1). Historically, magnesium was abundant in the foods we ate and the water we drank. However, today, most soil grown produce has been shown to be more magnesium depleted than ever, and even the grass and grains livestock eats lacks magnesium content. For those of us that live in the city, our water is treated with chlorine and fluoride to remove bacteria and minerals, like magnesium. Furthermore, consumption of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and medications like birth control pills, antihypertensives, insulin, and certain antibiotics all deplete magnesium further.

    One particularly important mechanism magnesium regulates is our balance and utilization of calcium. Every cell has a regulatory switch that controls the balance between calcium and magnesium, and when there is a deficiency in magnesium, the switch will allow excess calcium into the cells. This can ultimately lead to cellular calcification, amongst a number of other concerns, including:

1. Muscle Cramps and Spasms – Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, whereas magnesium allows muscular fibres to unbind, and ultimately relax. As a result, low levels of magnesium may lead muscle stiffness, cramping, and spasms.
2. Calcification of the Arteries – Magnesium deficiencies increase risks of calcification in the arteries as a result of unopposed calcium in the bloodstream. Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are primary warning signs.
3. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – Calcification can cause blood pressure rates to become higher. A Harvard study showed that those with the highest magnesium intake had the healthiest blood pressure levels.
4. Fatigue/Lack of Energy – All of our cells contain adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a chemical that must bind with magnesium in order to convert itself into energy. With low magnesium levels, our energy molecules remain unusable, and as a result, energy level often declines.
5. Problems Sleeping – Magnesium promotes active muscle relaxation, and is essential for the proper function of our GABA receptors. When activated, GABA promotes restful relaxation, improving not only our ability to fall asleep, but maintain sleep. Furthermore,
6. Hormone Imbalances – There is a direct correlation between estrogen/progesterone and magnesium levels in women. The higher the hormones – the lower the magnesium. Additionally, increased hormone levels during pregnancy can quickly deplete magnesium levels. Low magnesium levels can make menstrual cycle cramping more severe.
7. Pregnancy Health Complaints – Pregnant women tend to have more cramping, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, and other such problems, all signs of low magnesium levels.
8. Depression and Anxiety – Chemical imbalances in the brain brought on by stress and anxiety could be contributed to magnesium deficiency, as well as certain types of depression. Furthermore, as mentioned above, magnesium’s relationship to GABA receptors mean that lower levels result is a less relaxed state of mind.
9. Deficiencies in Other Minerals – Without the right level of magnesium in the cells, other minerals, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin K and vitamin D, are not utilized correctly.
10. Bone Density Concerns – In order for Vitamin D to be able to help absorb calcium into the bones, where it belongs, it needs the right amount of magnesium. Magnesium also works with a hormone called calcitonin that draws calcium out of the muscles, circulatory system, and soft tissues so it can be absorbed by the bones.

     With the proper magnesium levels in the body, risks for heart disease, heart attack, kidney stones, calcification in the arteries, and osteoporosis are reduced. To ensure proper magnesium levels, expose yourself to these magnesium-rich foods:

• Spinach and Chard: ~ 157 mg/cup
• Pumpkin Seeds: ~ 92 mg/1/8 cup
• Almonds: ~ 80 mg/1 cup
• Black Beans: ~ 60 mg/ ½ cup
• Avocado: ~ 60 mg/1 medium
• Dark Chocolate: ~ 95 mg/1 square (did you know specific chocolate cravings are suspected to be a sign of a Mg deficiency!)
• Bananas: ~ 30 mg/1 medium

     If you have experienced any of the signs discussed, and want to find out more about the benefits of magnesium, please feel free to contact Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Courtney Holmberg at 647-351-7282 to schedule a consultation today!

1. Rosanoff A1, Weaver CM, Rude RK. Nutr Rev. Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated? 2012 Mar; 70(3):153-64. 
2. Elin RJ, Rude RK. Oral magnesium and wellness. The Magnesium Report: Clinical, Research and Laboratory News for Cardiologists. 2000.
3. Fox C, Ramsoomair D, Carter C. Magnesium: its proven and potential clinical significance. Southern Medical Journal. 2003;94(12):1195-201. 
4. Kimura M. Overview of Magnesium Nutrition. In: International Magnesium Symposium. New Perspectives in Magnesium Research. London: Springer-Verlag; 2007:239-260.
5. Pumpkin Seed Nutritional Profile: superfoodprofiles.com/raw-pumpkin-seeds-nutrition
   

Believe it or not, the foods we eat play an important role in helping our bodies manage our stress levels. During periods of time in which we feel overwhelmed with stress, it is easy to turn to “comfort foods” like ice cream, sugary sweets, chocolate, deep fried foods, pizza, and others that make us feel good.

Why do we crave these things, you might ask?
Well interesting enough, the foods we consume have a direct impact on the neurotransmitters our bodies eat. For example, eating dietary sugars and starches raise serotonin levels, giving you the temporary sensation of feeling calm and relaxed. Furthermore, the pleasure in doing so promotes dopamine release, which stimulates our reward system, and explains why the more sugar you have, the more your body will continue to crave it.

However, the problem with “comfort foods” is while they initially bring a brief moment of relief, they do not last.

Instead of reducing the stress, these foods can make us feel tired and lethargic by spiking or insulin and cortisol levels, which ultimately directly impact the levels of stress we are experiencing. Furthermore, consuming large quantities of “comfort foods” during high levels of stress can cause a drastic increase in “bad” cholesterol levels, increase our blood pressure, and create long-term risks associated with heart disease and heart attacks.
So when you are feeling overly stressed, rather than consuming your favourite “comfort foods”, its best to turn your attention to stress-reducing foods that are good for the body. Choosing the right foods can help increase the levels of serotonin, without spiking cortisol. You should also include foods that boost your immune system response, as increased stress for prolonged periods weakens immune responses, resulting in more frequent periods of illnesses.

The Dos and Don’ts

You should avoid simple carbohydrates, like sugar, because it is quickly digested by the body and only provides short-term calming effect. Stay away for sugary sodas, candy bars, and other foods that are packed full of sugar, corn syrup or other such sugar-based sweeteners.
Instead, choose complex carbohydrates because these foods provide the same calming effects as sugar, but last longer because they take longer to digest. Some of the foods considered complex carbohydrates include:

• Oatmeal
• Starchy Vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, squash
• Lentils
• Beans & Legumes

For sweet treats, consider citrus fruits, like oranges and grape fruits, that are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C not only helps the adrenal glands to reduce stress levels, but also has added benefits for the immune system.

If you feel lethargic or are experiencing an increase in the frequency and duration of headaches, along with elevated stress levels, this often indicates you are not getting a sufficient amount of magnesium in your diet. Magnesium is found in green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach. You will also find magnesium in salmon and soybeans, so you have several options.

Additionally, salmon (and other darker meat fish) are considered a good source of Omega-3s, which are great for controlling spikes in the hormones that cause stress and at the same time, help reduces risks of heart attack, heart disease, pain syndromes, depression and PMS. Remember to always source wild fish, or use supplements.

Bonus tip: Sugar cravings can sometimes mean you’re not getting enough fat in the meal prior. Up your fat intake to offset these cravings.
Increasing the amount of vegetables in your daily diet can help combat energy crashes throughout the day. To get the most benefits from veggies, try to sauté them lightly or steam them vs boiling or frying them.

Lastly, stay away from high sugar fruits, like bananas and tropical fruits. While the sugar is natural, it still spikes insulin (and ultimately cortisol) the same way refined sugar will. Always aim to eat fruits with a high fiber food like oat bran or flax, as it helps to offset this effect.
For natural health tips for fighting increased stress levels, please feel free to contact Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Courtney Holmberg, at 647-351-7282 to schedule a full health assessment today!