Magnesium deficiency & cravings

[shell]

Intersesting info I have found-

Interestingly, clinicians often note that magnesium deficiency leads to sugar cravings and chocolate cravings that disappear as soon as magnesium levels are brought back to normal. Because large amounts of magnesium are found in the hippocampus (the "emotional, thought and memory center of the brain"), (2) deficiencies may form the emotional environment which encourages carbohydrate cravings


I am now thinking that because I have been having the most intense sugar/sweet food cravings (which I never had, even before doing Cohen's) that it could be a lack of Magnesuim in my diet.


That would work out that this started when I stopped taking my Magnesium tablets!

Very hard to get enough natural Magnesium in my diet, as it is so low carb.

List of foods high in Magnesium-
http://www.algaecal.com/magnesium/ma...ich-foods.html

Anyone else have any experience with cravings they never had before?

Off now to order some Magnesium tablets.
I will keep you informed if it does stop the cravings (here's hoping!)

Shell

[Annabelle Joy]

Interesting item, shell. My magnesium tablets ran out a few weeks back and I haven't replaced them. I haven't noticed that I'm having sugar cravings yet, but possibly it takes a while for a deficiency to develop. Did you go a while after you stopped taking the tablets before the cravings started?

Looking at that list it seems to me that it would be difficult for anyone to get the recommended daily allowances.

AJ

[shell]

Hi AJ,
Not 100% sure when I ran out, & yes it would be hard to get the RDI of magnesium naturally.

Just keep it in mind if you do get the cravings-they seem to come from nowhere!

[Soon2BSlim]

Hi Shell

I have read this information in other places a few times and I think it's true. Pre Cohen's I found that if I was taking magnesium my chocolate cravings would stop. I have also read that you need to take the magnesium with calcium (combo tablet) rather than just on its own otherwise it won't be absorbed by your body properly.

I just did a quick search on google but couldn't find what I was looking for with the magnesium/calcium combo but am almost sure that one place I read it was in Ann Louise Gittleman's book on the "Fat Flush" diet.

Interesting topic.

Louise

[flash12]

Hi Shell

Firstly - have to say that Coconut oil is fabulous on my dry skin - esp feet. Have just started using it in the cooking now. Can't bring myself to swallow a teaspoon if it though.

Interesting about the magnesium/calcium and cravings?? Organic unhulled tahini may be something to consider - it is approx 45% Protein, and 50% fat (90% good fats) + has 50mg of Magnesium & 150mg of Calcium and potassium per 20g. Nice on crackers too.

I definately started to binge on sugar/carbs (custard scolls etc) probably around 5 months after completing Cohens.

Am still trying to understand it all?

flash

[Shanara]

Hi Shell and those in maintence land,

One way to increase your magnesium levels is to have epsom salts baths. Apparently your skin absorbs the sodium and magnesium. It also helps rid the body of toxins but don't stay in longer than 20 mins or you start to reabsorb the toxins.

Celtic Sea Salt is also a good source of all minerals in balance - recommended by the Cohens clinic. I almost lost my thyroid a few years ago and a big part of my treatment was celtic sea salt.

Shanara

[shell]

Thanks Shanara,
I don't have a bath but I have been using Celtic sea salt for nearly 12 months.

Flash,
Glad you like the coconut oil, I don't drink it I just put it in my cooking!
Not sure what tahini is will have to go and "google" it.

Apparently when you PMS, that is when your Magnesium is at it's lowest- hence the sugar/chocalate craving.

[shell]

Ok just "googled" it!

I have just started taking "Sesamax" which is a sesame seed lignan with added omega fish oils.

Here is some info on it-
http://www.axislabs.net/p-SES01.htm

Sounds similar?

[LiLi]

Hi Shell

I was only just today reading an article about calcium and magnesium.

This is what I discovered (source: blackmores)

Interesting!

When it comes to minerals for strong bones and teeth, calcium receives most of the press — but, in order for calcium to be properly absorbed, you need magnesium. Studies show that a high intake of magnesium is associated with stronger bones in both men and women, but high levels of calcium without adequate magnesium can cause calcification of soft tissues. That’s not all: magnesium is also needed for energy production, nerve function, insulin production, muscle relaxation and, in conjunction with potassium, it regulates heart rhythm.

However, there's a good chance you're not getting enough. A lower-than-ideal intake of magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens, legumes, nuts and shellfish, can set you up for a marginal deficiency, as can eating extensively processed foods that have been stripped of minerals. The recommended daily intake (RDI) for magnesium is 270mg for women, although higher doses are often recommended for women taking the Pill.

If you take a calcium supplement, you should take a magnesium one as well — most experts suggest a ratio of two to three parts calcium to one part magnesium — or choose a combination supplement.

Read labels carefully to identify exactly how much magnesium (or calcium) a supplement contains. Look for a "total equivalent" or "elemental" figure, not just the amount of magnesium citrate or phosphate it contains. The former refers to the amount of the mineral, while the latter refers to the compound it is present in.

Safety note: People with kidney disease should ask their doctor before taking magnesium. Magnesium can also make tetracycline antibiotics less effective. Magnesium is best absorbed when taken with meals. Occasionally, large doses can cause diarrhoea: dividing up your dose will reduce this risk

[shell]

Started the Magnesium today, will let you know if it makes a difference.

[Annabelle Joy]

Have you had any leg cramps, shell? I started taking magnesium on the diet when I was getting cramps, and they stopped immediately. Since finishing the diet and the magnesium I find I'm getting cramps in my big toes.

AJ

[shell]

Hi AJ,
No cramps- but I do a lot of stretching before & after I exercise which helps.
Shell

[shell]

Well I am happy to report the Magnesium tablets seem to be working- no intense cravings for icecream this week!

Here's hoping it keeps up.
Shell

[fiona.sutton]

Hi Shell - how did you find the sesaMax tablets? Were they beneficial for the cravings? It sounds like they were. Did they complement the cohens program?

I read the link you gave and got excited by the hype of helping the fat burning process! They are out of stock at the moment, but would love to know from you whether you felt the supplements were ok as part of the Cohens program. did you notice more weight-loss with the SesaMax?

So many questions - just alittle excited - i want to help budge the fat any way I can...
Fi

[shell]

Hi Fiona,
The magnesium tablets are for the cravings.

The Sesamax I never took while I was on the program, only months after I started maintenace.

Not noticing any major benefit with the weight loss but they do clean you out if you eat too much fatty food.

They also make a huge difference on hangovers after drinking!

Shell

[fiona.sutton]

Thanks a bundle Shell - looks like I'll bookmark it for maintenance!
Fi