Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. It is estimated that 50 to 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this essential mineral. Magnesium plays a vital role in your body’s chemical activities, many of which are necessary for proper function.
Magnesium is needed for energy production, relaxation of blood vessels, muscle and nerve function, proper development of bones and teeth, and regulation of blood sugar and insulin sensitivity for the prevention of diabetes.
Proper magnesium levels are extremely important to good heart function. When your body lacks the right amount of magnesium, the heart cannot function properly. Hypertension, irregular heartbeats, cardiovascular disease are all likely due to low magnesium.
Magnesium also helps to keep calcium in your cells so they can do their job better. Osteoporosis can be caused by magnesium deficiency because magnesium is needed to absorb calcium. It is important to keep in mind that since you’re likely getting much more calcium from your diet than you are magnesium, your need for supplemental magnesium may be two times greater than calcium.
There are several factors effecting why so many people are magnesium deficient. A diet high in sugar or protein, too much caffeine and/or alcohol intake, smoking, and taking multiple pharmaceutical drugs all can deplete magnesium levels in the body. Athletes are at risk of low magnesium due to sweating out the magnesium.
Other factors contributing to magnesium deficiency is not getting enough magnesium in your diet either by not eating enough foods rich in magnesium and/or the lack of minerals (magnesium especially) in our soils causing low levels of minerals in our foods.
Foods with the highest level of magnesium are found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and in broccoli, avocado, and pumpkin seeds.
Symptoms of low magnesium include headaches, insomnia, anxiety or depression, muscle pain, muscle twitching (eyelid or mouth), heart palpitations, leg cramps, fatigue, constipation, heart jumping, esophageal spasms, and infertility.
Magnesium deficiency is difficult to diagnose because most of the time magnesium looks normal on a blood test despite a person’s symptoms. You may need to find the right type of magnesium that works best for your body. Consistently eating foods rich in magnesium, magnesium supplements, Epsom salt bathes, and applying magnesium oils to the skin are all ways to optimize your magnesium levels.
To schedule an appointment to have your magnesium level properly checked and for more information regarding magnesium supplementation call Compassionate Healthcare Associates, (661) 295.7777.
