Got muscle aches? Lately, I noticed a few friends suffering from muscle and backache issues and it got me thinking, “Could it be dehydration?”
I had a little health setback last month and it turned out that dehydration was at the root of it. The after-effects of spring vacation left me feeling less than stellar. A combination of air travel, hot weather (sweating), too much of my favorites, coffee and wine, and not enough clean, mineralized water (see more below) to keep me hydrated.
A little practical advice from my health practitioner worked like a charm: half (1/2) of my body weight in ounces of water with electrolytes and a couple of pinches of sea salt. A little side note, I always add an extra cup of water for each dehydrating liquid consumed, like coffee, alcohol, or medication taken.
Dehydration can be the root cause of many health issues but it’s not always obvious. Pinch the skin on your arm or stomach with two fingers so that it makes a “tent” shape. If your skin doesn’t return to normal after 3 seconds, you’re dehydrated.
The good news, it’s an easy fix.
It’s important to get the right balance of minerals, specifically magnesium, in your water for proper hydration.
Dr. Christaine Northrup, M.D. claims magnesium to be a medical wonder in her article “Why You Need More Magnesium”. In her practice, she recognized how effective it was in preventing seizures, normalizing blood pressure, and stopping preterm labor in her patients.
“Magnesium is the most important mineral in your body. It plays a key role in over 600 metabolic reactions. It’s crucial for proper nerve function, heart, muscles, blood pressure, and blood flow. ”
Most of us are magnesium deficient but don’t realize it. The typical blood test ordered by physicians doesn’t always give an accurate reading of optimal levels. When magnesium levels drop, the body draws from the bones and tissues so the lab results may read as normal, even though the body is deficient.
Lifestyle factors lower levels and it’s difficult to receive sufficient amounts from food. Farming practices over the years have resulted in depleted soil without proper mineralization.
Common symptoms of deficiency are constipation, sleep issues, nerve problems, anxiety, and hypertension.
According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, author of the Miracle of Magnesium, magnesium is a cure for most diseases. The results received from those who have read her books and followed her advice are astounding. There are thousands of testimonials of patients who have received healing as a result of adding the additional mineral.
Dr. Dean believes for years there’s been too much focus on calcium supplementation and not enough attention on the magnesium/calcium ratios. When magnesium is deficient and the ratio is out of balance, it can cause a host of problems.
Generations of women have been told they needed calcium to prevent bone loss but with too much calcium and not enough magnesium, the muscles and nerves begin to spasm.
Dr. Carolyn Dean provides an online quiz to help determine your level of deficiency as well as links to individual online testing.
In her experience, the optimal level of Magnesium RBC should be between 6.0-6.5mg/dL.
There are many more options available to increase your magnesium levels
The following food sources are rich in magnesium, although depending on digestion, the amount that the body absorbs will vary. For some, it may only be a relatively small amount.
- Dark Chocolate
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Legumes
- Seeds
- Whole Grains
- Bananas
- Leafy Greens
Supplementation with magnesium can get tricky. There are many different forms with most compounds having a laxative effect if too much is taken. The pills can also be difficult to digest, requiring more energy to be absorbed.
I’m a fan of the formula created by Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D. called RnA ReSet. Her liquid supplement went through an 18-step process that makes the mineral ions fully absorbable at the cellular level. This process eliminates the spillover effect into the intestines that causes a laxative effect. As explained on the website, “The body absorbs ionic minerals with greater efficacy than other forms, as most other minerals must undergo the process of digestion.”
Another supplementation available is topically through the skin, the body’s largest organ. It’s an easy option with products that range from highly concentrated magnesium oil to bath salts and lotions for more sensitive individuals.
In closing, if you find that you’re feeling a little achy or a little anxious, give the quick “tent” test a chance to check in with your body to check your hydration. You might save yourself a lot of pain and suffering by adding some extra water and minerals to your daily routine.
The information presented on MyRisingVibe.com is for educational purposes only and is based on the opinions of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to educate readers to make their own wellness decisions after consulting with their healthcare provider. My recommendation of these products is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat any health condition and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with a professional healthcare provider.
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