How Magnesium Plays a Role in Cravings
If you are craving sugar, bread, pasta, or carb-filled snacks, it is a sign that you have a mineral deficiency, especially magnesium.
It’s important to know magnesium plays an important role in the body. It is the cofactor to more than 300 enzymes to support muscles and nerve function in our bodies as well as regulate the sugar level in the blood. But, it also plays a role in our cravings.
As you may already know, high or low levels of blood glucose can be devastating for our bodies. It is important to keep an optimum range of blood glucose which is required in the body for ideal functioning.
Magnesium helps regulate these glucose levels and also the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that the brain releases when you do something that brings it pleasure, and often gets the blame for causing addictions, including overeating.
Your brain wants to feel good all the time, so it works to encourage you to release dopamine by consuming those things you crave. If we let it, your brain can work against you when you are trying to lose weight or stop a bad habit.
Magnesium will also regulate the blood sugar by controlling the release of insulin in such a way that insulin does not get released too much. If this happens, it will convert the glucose into glycogen which in return decreases blood sugar and causes sugar cravings.
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, at least 400 to 420 milligrams of magnesium should be taken every day to avoid sugar cravings.
A low level of magnesium can increase sugar cravings, especially for chocolate. Many of us are deficient in magnesium because it’s used widely in the body for so many purposes.
Adult women should consume at least 320 mg/day. While you can eat foods that are high in magnesium, it’s difficult for many of us to consume enough through food to defend your cravings. Here are a few examples:
Pumpkin seeds: 1 ounce = 150 mg
Raw almonds and cashews: 1 ounce = 82 mg
Black Beans: 1 cup cooked = 120 mg
Avocado: 1 medium = 58 mg
Tofu: 3.5 oz. = 53 mg
Salmon: 6 oz. = 53 mg
Banana: 1 medium = 9mg
Besides magnesium, there are many other nutrients which are helpful in avoiding the sugar cravings. These nutrients are Vitamin B6, Calcium, L-glutamine, Cinnamon, and Gymnema Sylvestre. All these other nutrients avoid sugar cravings in their own unique way and are included in Craving Defender.
Defending your food cravings will help you get back on track and reach your weight loss goals.
Ready to get your cravings under control? Grab a bottle of Craving Defender.
