Many Americans, half actually, supplement with a multivitamin on a daily basis. Most of them think that is adequate enough for their daily lifestyle. Even if you are taking a high quality multivitamin, you probably still have a deficiency in specific vitamins. In fact, about 80 percent of Americans are deficient in Magnesium. Many of the clients we work with are easily helped with the appropriate dosage of Magnesium. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you need to change your supplement regime.

Are you currently taking any prescription medications?

While prescriptions may be beneficial in treating symptoms they also often contribute to an already underlying issue of deficiency. Prescriptions alter Magnesium levels through a variety of means including blocking absorption, excretion and even synthesis (creation) of vitamins.

Are you under any stress – at home, at work or at play?

Stress, both physical and emotional will increase excretion of magnesium in urine creating a deficiency in your body. Supplementing with magnesium can not only bring your levels back to optimal range but allow you to handle the stress easier. Magnesium is a vasodilator so it lowers blood pressure and acts as a natural antidepressant.

Do you crave and consume sweets, sugary drinks, coffee or alcohol?

Your kidneys have to process everything you consume and sugar is especially taxing. Dark colored beverages will drain your body of magnesium creating a deficiency. The more you consume sugar, coffee and alcohol the more likely you are deficient.

Do you experience muscle cramping, depression, constipation, heart arrhythmia or have trouble sleeping?

Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant (don’t forget your heart is a muscle too) and can even mimic the action of melatonin helping you to achieve a more restful sleep. Magnesium deficiency is linked to migraines; adding Magnesium, Fish Oil and CoQ10 will help prevent 60 percent of migraines.

Now that you’ve decided to start supplementing with Magnesium which type of Magnesium is right for you? Many people end up buying Magnesium Oxide at big box stores because it’s the most economical but it’s not necessarily appropriate. The forms of Magnesium we routinely recommend to clients include:

Glycinate: This form of magnesium has the highest bioavailability and provides for the best absorption into the body.  We use this most often for clients displaying magnesium deficiencies.

Threonate: It is transferred into the brain most effectively – can create vivid dreams. It allows for improved critical thinking and boosts daily focus. I take Magnesium Threonate every evening before bed.

Citrate: We use this most often in our practice for skeletal muscle support and relaxation. It also has laxative properties as it relaxes smooth muscles in the bowel.

Please speak with your functional medicine physician about supplementing with magnesium today and feel better tomorrow!

This post was originally published on October 2, 2015 on American Daily News.