Things that deplete Magnesium from your system: Stress, alcohol, coffee, sugar, exercise & sweating (which is a wonderful thing HOWEVER you need to replenish Mg+), antacids like Nexium, Prilosec, etc., pain killers, anti-depressants, anti-fungals, anti-histamines like Benadryl, Allergy medications, hundreds more meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Possible Symptoms of Low Magnesium: constipation, IBS, inflammation, insomnia, kidney stones, ovarian cysts, muscle spasms, muscle tension, nerve twitches, seizures, headaches, migraines, heart palpitations, low energy, anxiety, panic attacks, osteoporosis, infertility, high blood pressure, trouble losing weight, menstrual cramps, **Chocolate cravings are often a sign that your body needs Magnesium!
How much should I take? The governmental RDA is very low, we need at least 2-3x’s those doses. Experts estimate that 70-80% of people get less than the already deficient RDA. Take those amounts of Magnesium until symptoms disappear, also you can try different forms of Mg+ supplementation, for maintenance you only need to supplement Mg+ 1-2 times per week. Use more when you are having muscle tension, muscle pain, or when having menstrual cramps.
Food Sources: Kelp, many nuts/seeds like cashews, black beans, leafy greens
Supplement options: Epsom salt baths (dissolve 2 cups of Epsom salt in bath water), Magnesium oil/gel/lotion *Ancient Minerals brand is the best one I’ve found, we have it here at Clearview! Oral magnesium supplements have a laxative effect, the one I recommend is “Natural Calm” brand