Sleep Troubles? These 2 Vitamin Deficiencies Could Be the Culprit and Here's How to Address Them
Sleep is an essential part of our daily lives, as it helps us to feel rested, energized, and ready to tackle the day ahead. Unfortunately, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common, and they can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. In this video, Dr. Mindy Pelz highlights the importance of two key nutrients that are often overlooked but are crucial for healthy sleep and hormonal balance: magnesium and zinc.
Magnesium: The Sleep-Inducing Mineral
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. It plays a vital role in over 600 enzymatic reactions, including the production of energy, the synthesis of proteins, and the regulation of our nervous system. Magnesium deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, muscle cramps, and poor sleep quality.
Magnesium and Progesterone Production
One of the lesser-known benefits of magnesium is its role in the production of progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is essential for women's health, particularly during menopause. It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce anxiety, and promote healthy sleep. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a decrease in progesterone levels, resulting in sleep disturbances, mood swings, and other hormonal imbalances.
Magnesium Absorption through the Skin
To increase magnesium intake, Dr. Pelz recommends absorbing it through the skin. Magnesium can be absorbed through Epsom salt baths, which can be an excellent way to relax before bed. The skin is a highly absorbent organ, and magnesium can be easily absorbed through it, bypassing the digestive system. This method can increase magnesium levels and promote healthy sleep quality.
Zinc: The Testosterone-Boosting Mineral
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. It plays a vital role in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including poor wound healing, hair loss, and low testosterone levels.
Zinc and Testosterone Production
Zinc is particularly important for testosterone production, as it is needed for the synthesis of testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that is essential for both men and women's health. It helps to regulate muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. Zinc deficiency can lead to low testosterone levels, resulting in a range of symptoms, including poor sleep quality.
Zinc and Deep Sleep
In addition to its role in testosterone production, zinc is also essential for deep sleep. Deep sleep is the stage of sleep that is crucial for physical restoration and recovery. It is during this stage of sleep that the body repairs itself and releases growth hormone. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in deep sleep, resulting in fatigue, poor memory, and reduced physical performance.
Increasing Magnesium and Zinc Intake
To increase magnesium and zinc intake, Dr. Pelz recommends a range of hacks that are easy and affordable. In addition to Epsom salt baths, she recommends eating dark chocolate, which is high in both magnesium and zinc. She also recommends taking magnesium and zinc supplements, particularly before bed.
Final Words
Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and magnesium and zinc are two key nutrients that are often overlooked but are essential for healthy sleep and hormonal balance. Magnesium plays a vital role in progesterone production, while zinc is necessary for testosterone production and deep sleep. By increasing magnesium and zinc intake through diet, supplements, and Epsom salt baths, we can promote healthy sleep quality and overall well-being.