The Benefits of Magnesium for ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism
Magnesium is an essential mineral which plays a role in hundreds of important metabolic reactions in the body. Magnesium contributes to the health of vital organs, teeth and bones. Most importantly, for children with ADHD and Autism, magnesium deficiency can affect detoxification, hormone balance, and neurotransmitter function.
It has been estimated that up to 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Most commonly, the deficiency is due to decreased intake and/or decreased absorption of magnesium. Foods that are high in magnesium such as dark leafy greens, almonds, and beans are often lacking in the diets of children with picky appetites. Poor absorption of magnesium is often the result of a gastrointestinal disturbance such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome that can go unnoticed while other more obvious nutritional deficiencies are treated.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include the following:
- Hyperactivity
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Tics
- Mood dysregulation including depression and irritability
- Being easily startled
- Muscle spasm and weakness
- Poor nail growth
When supplementing with magnesium be aware that there are various forms which affect the digestive tract differently. Guidelines to magnesium supplementation include the following:
- Well tolerated, gentle stool effect, calming: magnesium chelate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium threonate
- Laxative stool effect: magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride
Epsom Salt/Magnesium Sulfate
Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. Soaking in a bath with epsom salt is a way to deliver magnesium through the skin, making it an easy way to receive the benefits of magnesium without using an oral supplement. Soaking nightly in Epsom salts can do the following:
- Ease stress and improve sleep
- Reduce inflammation and relieve muscle pain/cramps
- Flush out toxins
- Help prevent or ease headaches
At NaturoMedica we carry multiple forms of magnesium to meet differing needs.
It is always a good idea to speak to your physician first to determine if your child might benefit from magnesium supplementation.
