Understanding Magnesium Deficiency and Sugar Cravings
What is the connection between sugar cravings and magnesium deficiency?
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical functions in your body. But most of the time you think of magnesium when it comes to muscle cramps, sleep, and constipation, right?
For the sake of this article, know that magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels and is partially responsible for the levels of glucose in your body. At the same time, it is also involved in the production of insulin, which is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar levels.
The sugar cravings you experience could be because your body may be lacking magnesium. The craving can make you feel tired, anxious, irritable, and even depressed.
Here are some additional symptoms of magnesium deficiency: anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood swings.
See the connection?
If you are experiencing symptoms that are typical for a magnesium deficiency, then it would be wise to include more natural sources of magnesium-rich foods. The best way to get magnesium is by consuming it directly from natural sources. Magnesium is typically found in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, cocoa, legumes, and more.
What can drain magnesium from your body?
A modern lifestyle habits like too much coffee, alcohol, too intense exercise and antibiotics can drain your body of magnesium and other essential minerals. So it’s no wonder almost half of all Americans aren’t meeting their daily magnesium needs.
You may say, but my magnesium levels in my blood test are normal so I don’t have to worry about it.
Not exactly…
Serum magnesium, that’s what you get from your blood test, and Red Blood Cell RBC magnesium is different. RBC magnesium test is a more accurate measurement of your magnesium levels.
Before your sugar cravings lead you to type 2 Diabetes, learn how to stop them. And if you are prediabetic or have Type 2 Diabetes you may want to check out this article.
How to stop sugar cravings?
- Have a protein-rich snack
- Have a regular meal schedule
- Take a walk outside
- Take a moment to think, are you really craving sugar or it’s because of boredom or stress?
- Break the habit
- Get enough sleep
- Some studies have found that magnesium may be a beneficial supplement in glucose metabolic disorders.
- Learn what your genetic makeup holds, do you have genes passed down to you from your parents that may contribute to your sugar cravings? Do you have the dessert gene, SLC2A2? And if you do then what specific steps can you take. Learn more about genetic testing here.
Have you heard of or tried Gymnema Silvestre? This is becoming one of my favorite supplements.
A simple way to stop sugar cravings. Make sure to watch the video
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Interested in learning more about blood sugar and cholesterol relationship?
