Magnesium: The Mighty Mineral

Magnesium is a trace mineral that is utilized by every system in our body, thus dubbing it "the mighty mineral". It plays a key role in more than 300 biochemical reactions internally, and is a crucial component of immune health, bone health, and metabolism.

Because much of our food supply is sorely lacking in nutrients, most people are magnesium deficient. In addition to this, consumption of sugar greatly affects the amount of magnesium needed. The body needs 54 molecules of magnesium to process just 1 gram of sugar. The average American consumes 71 grams of sugar a day. You do the math.

Levels can be difficult to detect because magnesium deficiency does not show up in blood tests. Yet, we can safely assume that most of us need to supplement simply due to dietary factors. Our bodies also provide us with cues to what they need, as they have been so wonderfully designed by our Creator to do. We are wise to pay attention to what our bodies are trying to tell us through the symptoms we manifest.

Signs of magnesium deficiency:

*Hearing problems

*Weak bones

*Migraines

*Chronic fatigue

*Muscle cramps

*Restlessness

*Intense PMS symptoms

*High blood pressure

*Irregular heartbeat

Personally, I will add anxiety to this list; as magnesium supplementation has been a huge help for me in this area. I can literally feel when my magnesium levels are dropping. Consuming magnesium at night before bed will also promote restful sleep, as well as taking magnesium baths which have a plethora of health benefits.

There are many different types of magnesium, with different absorbtion rates and functions. The most universal and easily absorbed is magnesium glycinate. I am currently taking this brand. Recommended dosages are 420mg daily for males 31-50 and 360mg daily for females in the same age range.

Children can also take magnesium supplements and, as an added bonus, it is calming to them as well. We can all use some extra calm kiddos in our lives, am I right?! Here is the the magnesium I give to my boys.

In addition to supplementation, reducing sugar intake will also be beneficial and will lessen the amount of magnesium needed for the body to function properly. Learn more about sugar's effect on the body as well as ways to reduce intake here.

It is always best to eat as close to nature as possible, the way God intended, for maximum health benefits. Focusing on eating whole foods versus packaged, processed goods is also beneficial when it comes to magnesium intake.

These foods are rich in magnesium:

*Spinach

*Raw milk

*Avocados

*Pumpkin seeds

*Nuts

*Pink salt

*Dark chocolate

*Wild-caught fish

*Sprouts

Above all else, remember this... "Symptoms are not enemies to be destroyed, but sacred messengers who encourage us to take better care of ourselves." Food Matters

Stay healthy, friends.

Disclaimer :

I am not a doctor. All information and resources found on this blog are based on my research, experience, and what I have seen work for my family and for others. No information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. I encourage you to consult a holistic doctor or nutritionist before making health changes, especially any changes relating to a specific health condition. Do not rely solely on this information to make medical diagnoses or determine treatment. Use this information as a general guideline to healthier living and a starting point for your own research.

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