Magnesium Deficiency May be Hurting Your Health

For many people minerals remain kind of a mystery. Sure, you know you need calcium for strong bones, but beyond that how much thought do you really give to your mineral intake?

Unfortunately, ignoring minerals can lead to serious health problems. Recent research finds that many Americans don't get enough magnesium. Magnesium plays a vital role in a number of functions in the body—over 300 functions rely on adequate magnesium levels.

Your body needs magnesium to build health bone cells. Without enough magnesium, your bones will begin to weaken. You also need magnesium to maintain proper muscle function. Low magnesium levels can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.

This vital nutrient helps your heart to beat regularly, it helps your immune system to be at its best, it keeps your central nervous system working smoothly, it helps regulate blood pressure, and it plays an important role in a healthy metabolism.

Without enough magnesium, your whole body suffers. If you feel tired or achy or weak… if you get sick a lot… or if you have high blood pressure, part of the problem may be that you have low magnesium levels.

Researchers have also found that people with diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, or Alzheimer's often have low levels of magnesium.

That's a lot of reasons to make sure you are getting enough of this vital nutrient. You'll do best if you get 420 mg a day if you're male or 320 mg a day if you're female. Natural food sources are best. Whole grains, legumes, dark leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish are all good sources of magnesium. It's also a good idea to choose a multi-vitamin that contains some magnesium to bridge any gaps.

Making sure you get enough magnesium can help your to stay healthy and it can protect against many chronic diseases. Don't overlook this important mineral.

Stay well,
Heather Robwell