Lets Take a Look at Magnesium

Magnesium is a trace mineral and is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Helping to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, it supports a healthy immune system and keeps the heart beat steady and helps keep bones strong. It also aids in regulating blood glucose levels and in the production of energy and protein.

Basically magnesium is a nutrient that the body requires to stay healthy.

So, what are the signs of magnesium deficiency?

• Muscle twitches and cramps (like that cramp you get in your calf in the middle of the night)

• Muscle fatigue

• extreme PMS

• High blood pressure

• Numbness or tingling

in more sever cases it can lead to

• Osteoporosis

• Irregular heartbeat

It is always a good idea to get more magnesium in your diet, however its always advisable to add more of the magnesium rich foods before looking to supplement. Here are some of the best food sources:

• Green leafy vegetables (think spinach and kale)

• Fruit (figs, avocado, banana and some berries)

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds)

• Seafood (salmon and mackerel)

• Dark Chocolate (has to be 70% or higher)

• Legumes (black beans and chickpeas)

• Whole grains (brown rice and oats)

• Raw Cacao

• Tofu

• Baked beans

• Chlorella Powder

So you can see that there are so many foods that are natural sources of magnesium, as a health coach I will always advise to try add some of these foods into your day, failing that, maybe you don’t like enough of these foods you can always supplement.

Some Supplementing Tips

• Don’t go for the Magnesium that comes with calcium – you might think you’re killing 2 birds with one stone here but these two minerals compete with each other for absorption. if also taking calcium its a good idea to space these at lease 2 hours apart.

• Its best to look for a Chelated Magnesium supplement – this form is more easily absorbed by the body

• Always read the label – and pay close attention to the ingredients list. If magnesium is not the first (and hopefully only ingredient) put that one back on the shelf.

Most health food stores have assistants that are extremely well versed in supplementation so if in doubt ask. They are there to help.

My personal experience with magnesium:

I take magnesium every night, without fail. I even travel with it. It’s a supplement that I don’t go a day without, as a weight lifter I find it extremely beneficial for me to have this supplement, though my diet would be quite high in the foods mentioned above, the extra always lets me glide of to sleep peacefully.

Disclaimer ~

The information in this blog is not intended for treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment or medical advice. Please seek a licensed medical practitioner if you believe you are affected by anything mentioned in this post.