| Introduction | | | | even seizures as the brain's electrical activity will |
| Magnesium is a key element in numerous | | | | become disturbed. The severest magnesium |
| important body processes, including the production | | | | deficiencies result in a condition known as |
| of energy at a cellular level and the synthesis of | | | | hypocalcemia - low blood calcium and hypokalemia |
| important enzymes. Magnesium has been shown | | | | - low blood potassium. Otherwise, while one may |
| to be effective at reducing migraine frequency | | | | be low in magnesium - few people will have |
| and severity - especially among women who | | | | identifiable symptoms. |
| experience menstrual related migraines. Many | | | | How to Use |
| people are believed to be deficient in magnesium | | | | Magnesium can be taken regularly as a |
| due to high levels of stress, diets that are not | | | | supplement in order to prevent migraines. Most |
| nutritious and the consumption of foods or | | | | people will see benefit by taking 400mg per day. |
| beverages (alcohol, fat, caffeine) which can block | | | | Others may need to take more to see an effect. |
| natural absorption. As many as half the people | | | | If you are also taking a calcium supplement, try |
| who experience migraines are thought to be | | | | to take this at another time of day as calcium |
| deficient in magnesium. | | | | can affect magnesium absorption. Keep in mind |
| How Do I Know If I Am Deficient? | | | | that while some people may notice an immediate |
| People who take antibiotics or diuretics (commonly | | | | effect, others may not see any changes for a |
| used to treat high blood pressure) may have a | | | | few months. Foods that are dark green in color |
| greater chance of being deficient as these | | | | are particularly rich in magnesium - such as kale |
| particular drugs can reduce levels of magnesium. | | | | and spinach, as well as brown rice, almonds, black |
| Health conditions that affect the digestive system | | | | beans |
| (such as Crohn's disease), where one third to one | | | | Who Should Not Take Magnesium |
| half of all magnesium is absorbed, can also | | | | Among the entire possible natural to supplements |
| increase one's risk of being magnesium deficient. | | | | to take for migraines, magnesium is an excellent |
| Your kidneys also work to regulate your body's | | | | choice due to its relative safety lack of side |
| magnesium levels. If you are low in magnesium, | | | | effects, and low cost. However, there is always |
| your kidneys will work to reduce the amount | | | | going to be some people for whom magnesium is |
| excreted in urine. People who have untreated | | | | not the right choice. Anyone with heart or kidney |
| diabetes may be low in magnesium due to | | | | disease or kidney stones or who takes |
| excessive urination. Anyone who consumes | | | | prescription drugs which can be affected by |
| excessive amounts of alcohol is also at risk for | | | | magnesium intake should not add any magnesium |
| developing magnesium deficiency. | | | | supplements to their diet. |
| Signs of deficiency initially include symptoms of | | | | As always, it is best to speak with your doctor |
| fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and nausea. | | | | before you attempt to treat any medical |
| As the deficiency progresses some people will | | | | condition. |
| experience muscle cramps, numbness, tingling and | | | | |