I’ve been taking magnesium citrate to combat chocolate cravings, but the supplements give me a headache. Why?
If you’re on prescription medications or have an existing health condition such as hypertension or diabetes, consult your doctor about supplement use. Otherwise, the problem could be mild dehydration. Without enough fluids, magnesium can cause an electrolyte imbalance that triggers headaches. To find out if this is the culprit, stop taking the supplement for three days to rehydrate during this time. You can calculate your hydration needs by dividing your weight (in pounds) by two. That number is the minimum amount of water (in ounces) your body needs. And drink an additional glass of water for every caffeinated beverage you consume. After your three day rehydration period, start taking a 400 mg dose of magnesium citrate each morning. If this doesn’t reduce cravings in a week, take a second 400 mg dose at night. And keep up with optimal hydration to prevent the onset of headaches.
