Magnesium: The Mineral Miracle?

Magnesium is an extremely important mineral that is involved in over 300 different biochemical processes in the body.

Including:

• Proper muscle and nerve function
• Healthy bones and muscle
• Energy production
• Keeps Glucose levels stabilized
• Helps maintain healthy blood pressure
• Regulates mood by helping the body make Serotonin (the feel good chemical)
• Better sleep by helping the body produce Melatonin
• Detoxifies the body from heavy metals such as Mercury and Fluoride

Magnesium is the 4^th most abundant mineral in your body. About half of all Magnesium is found in your bones, the other half is found in your organs and tissues. Only about 1-2% is actually found in your blood. This can produce inaccurate results on blood tests. Despite what blood tests might suggest, up to 80% of us are deficient.

Why Are the Majority of Adults Deficient?

Our ancestors got most of their Magnesium from organ meats, seafood, mineral water and even swimming in the ocean. Today, our diets are made up of mostly processed foods. We do not eat enough mineral rich fruits and vegetables. The soil is depleted of vital minerals from the fertilizers and pesticides used. Even municipalities filter out most of the Magnesium from our drinking water to prevent the pipes from clogging. If you use a water filter at home, Magnesium is generally filtered out of that as well.

Certain foods and medications also rob your body of Magnesium. Drinks such as Alcohol, Cola and Coffee all decrease the amount of Magnesium that your intestines can absorb, less absorption over time can cause deficiency

Have you been stressed out lately? Magnesium is also used up rapidly during times of stress. Adequate amounts of magnesium prevent the entrance of stress hormones into the brain, keeping the body calm and relaxed.

Medications such as antibiotics and diuretics also reduce the amount of Magnesium in your body.

What Are the Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency is sometimes difficult to catch not only because the blood tests are often inaccurate, but also because many of the deficiency symptoms are so common and often mimic other illnesses. Someone with a mild Magnesium deficiency may suffer from fatigue, brain fog, forgetfulness, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle cramps (especially in the legs), anxiety and depression. More severe deficiencies can cause tingling and numbness, personality changes, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms.

Magnesium deficiency has also been linked to the following illnesses, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, PMS, Arthritis, kidney stones, heart disease, Osteoporosis, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Where Do I Get More Magnesium?

Magnesium is found in many different foods. The foods with the highest levels of Magnesium include: nuts & seeds, dark leafy greens, dark Chocolate, bananas, avocados, potatoes, beans, shrimp and other seafood, oatmeal, buckwheat, brown rice and quinoa. Eating several of these each day will help you reach optimal Magnesium levels.

Unfortunately, diet alone is not often enough to raise your levels. Most adults need around 400mg total per day or higher. You can take Magnesium in pill form (Magnesium Citrate, Glycinate, and Taurate absorb the best in the body), however taking too much orally tends to have a laxative effect.

There are powders that you can make into a drink. My favorite is Natural Calm. It tastes like Jello and it helps you sleep like a baby, if you take it at night. Epsom salt baths are another great way to raise your levels. I use this mineral salt brand, Ancient Secrets.

Finally, my preferred way of getting more Magnesium into my body is to use Magnesium oil. You just spray it on your skin and it absorbs quickly into your body. I use Life-Flo Magnesium Oil, Ancient Minerals is also a really good brand to use, although more expensive.

Use one or a combination of these products for a few weeks and gage how you feel. Once your symptoms start reducing and your body reaches an optimal level, you may be able to reduce the dose. You don’t really have to worry about taking too much as your body will get rid of excess.

So if you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms, try getting more Magnesium into your body. It really is a mineral miracle.