I have had pain in my hips for 25 years. During each of my pregnancies, I had sciatica. It’s a painful feeling that usually shoots down one leg. That was my experience and the point of view I’m writing from. The pain got so bad with the weight of pregnancy that I couldn’t get up off a sofa without assistance. It caused the feeling that my leg was broke. Very painful! Once the weight came off, the pain lessened and was more bearable.

After my first pregnancy and losing the weight, the pain went away completely. Never had a problem. But, the second pregnancy left me with permanent damage. Even though I lost the weight, I still have endured pain from sciatica and hip bursitis everyday. As a runner, the pain didn’t stop me…just slowed me down. Running has always been my choice of exercise. As I’ve aged, I have had to accept adjusting my exercise routine to maintain my weight and level of pain. But, recently, from the suggestion of a nurse practitioner, I have found out about the benefits of taking magnesium for pain.

Three Things

What I have found that has truly worked are three things. Drinking water, taking 310-320 mg of magnesium and strength training. Strengthening my hips through exercises I learned in physical therapy has also helped so much.

In general, people are deficient of magnesium. A magnesium deficiency can be caused by drinking alcohol, consuming too much sugar, excess calcium, low stomach acid and not eating enough leafy greens. Magnesium helps metabolize enzymes and promotes energy production, protein production and heart rhythm. Magnesium helps our cells as they turn nutrients into energy. Some of the benefits of magnesium include help with better sleep, decrease pain, constipation, headaches, stress, regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and increase our vitamin D and calcium absorption.

Where to Get Magnesium

For myself, I have added a 310 mg supplement of magnesium. And, let me tell you, I have really noticed a difference. The intensity of my hip pain has decreased. It’s more bearable. Some days, I can go through the day without feeling any pain until the evening, which is a good day. I have also increased my intake of more foods rich in magnesium which includes: leafy greens (spinach), squash and pumpkin seeds, lima beans, brown rice, quinoa, almonds, cashews, dark chocolate, black beans, avocados, and cultured yogurt (low sugar brands).

Drink More Water

There are many benefits to drinking water. Our bodies use water to produce electrolytes which help our bodies regulate chemical reactions. Electrolytes help maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside our cells. We get electrolytes through what we eat and drink. Water is one of those things we should drink. Don’t overdo drinking water though. There is such a thing to drink too much water. It can dilute your body’s minerals. You don’t want that. I have been trying to be more mindful of my thirst and the amount of water I need. I have found throughout the years that I have ignored my thirst. When you are thirsty, drink water.

Grief and My Body

I was told a few times after the death of my daughter, Emily, that I need to make sure I’m taking care of myself. These comments came from people who really cared about me, and had themselves experienced grief. Ever since, those comments have stayed in my mind, reminding me to not forget my body. Well, I still let my body go for many months afterwards because grief is so overpowering. I am over 6 months from her passing now, and I am beginning to crawl out of the fog that engulfed me. I have put myself back on the road to better health through appointments with the physical therapist, getting back to the gym, eating healthier, and taking vitamins.

Healthy, Happy Body

I will continue to learn more about what my body needs as I am aging, and the best ways I can help myself get those healthy nutrients for a strong, healthy, happy body.

Resources: Dr. Eric Berg DC. www.drberg.com