Do you get enough Magnesium Intake for Improved Health?

I have written about the importance of magnesium for good health before and, I know very well how important that mineral is for plants as well as the human body. In a discussion with a friend recently about food and health etc, we also came to the subject of magnesium and she asked, “How can I get magnesium into my body?” I recommended to her among other things to eat greens & nuts, especially almonds etc. So, I recommend to you to indulge in nuts and greens for better health!

I came across an interesting article by Jordyn Cormier which will tell you a bit more about how to boost the magnesium intake, so I thought to share it with you.

I take this opportunity to wish all my readers a wonderful Christmas, a happy &  prosperous New Year, but most of all good health. Being in good health is merely the slowest rate at which one can die. - Werner

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How to Boost Your Magnesium Intake for Improved Health?
Magnesium is the unsung hero of the human body, yet many of us are deficient in this essential mineral. An estimated 80 percent of adults are slightly or severely deficient in magnesium. As the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, this comes as somewhat of a surprise. Why is magnesium so oft overlooked in terms of health?

One contributing factor may be the difficulty of diagnosing magnesium deficiency. Since less than 1 percent of the body’s magnesium is stored in blood, blood tests do not accurately reflect the body’s stores of this mineral. Thus, many adults may not know that they are magnesium deficient. Perhaps it’s time we paid more attention.

As a catalyst for over 300 important reactions in the body, magnesium is “the Great Regulator.” Many of its reactions help to regulate such important functions such as protein synthesis, insulin regulation, vitamin D metabolism and blood pressure.

Perhaps most essentially, magnesium helps to control energy levels on a cellular level by activating ATP, the cell’s primary co-enzyme for energy storage. It’s a pretty important mineral.

Here are a few conditions impacted by magnesium:
Migraines.
Generally, people who suffer from migraines have lower magnesium levels than those who don’t. The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society have concluded that magnesium is “probably effective” in the treatment and prevention of migraines. The next time your head starts to throb, take magnesium into account.

Blood sugar.
Studies suggest that increased consumption of magnesium-rich foods leads to reduced risk for type II diabetes. The mineral is important for regulating blood sugar levels, and magnesium levels generally begin to decrease as insulin resistance sets in. Glucose cannot be properly broken down and utilized without magnesium.

Muscle function.
As an important electrolyte, deficiency in this mineral causes achy, spasm in muscles after long bouts of exercise. It also plays a role in restless leg syndrome. When magnesium levels are low, muscles have difficulty relaxing. Magnesium deficiency can also manifest as weak digestion, increased anxiety, worsened PMS symptoms, other nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, nerve dysfunction, cholesterol regulation, dental decay and more.

But what causes widespread magnesium deficiency?

This leaves the modern human with a handful of magnesium supplementation options: Eat lots of magnesium rich foods Foods like spinach, Swiss chard, black beans, almonds, seaweed, cashews, potatoes and, yes, even dark chocolate can provide up to one third of your RDA in a single serving. So, if you are concerned about magnesium levels, focus on incorporating more of these foods into your diet. Any excess magnesium you consume from food is easily excreted through urine, so no need to worry about that chocolate habit.

Take Epsom salt baths.
Epsom salts are composed of a compound known as magnesium sulphate. Soaking in a warm bath of Epsom salts allows your body to absorb extra magnesium through the skin, while providing utterly luxurious relaxation and stress reduction. It’s an easy way to add magnesium to your body, especially if you’ve been feeling a little anxious.

Supplements.
Many varieties of magnesium supplements exist. Although magnesium has a relatively low toxicity risk, it is best to consult your trusted medical professional before embarking on any sort of new regimen. Certain medications and conditions can affect absorption and interact with magnesium levels. And, if you feel anxious or suffer from migraines, do yourself a favour — draw a bath, snack on some chocolate-covered almonds and allow your body to replenish itself. Don’t underestimate the importance of this humble mineral in your life.
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My thought for today. – Werner
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. ~ Hippocrates