Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

A magnesium deficiency can develop as a result of overuse of refined carbohydrates, as well as alcohol intake. Multiple symptoms are involved in the deficiency syndrome. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency come on insidiously and may not be noticed until they are well-developed.

The symptoms include the following:‍

Physical

• Slow recovery after effort
• Muscular cramps
• Habit tics
• Digestive disorders
• Colitis

Mental

• Intellectual dullness
• Mental confusion
• Anxiety, sense of dread, or unexplained anguish

Biochemical

• Carbohydrate malabsorption
• Calcium and iron imbalances

Sources of magnesium:

• All nuts and seeds
• Whole grains (wheat, oats, rye, rice, etc.)
• All common legumes (including peanuts)
• Carob
• Greens
• Beets
• Squash