After oxygen, water and basic food, magnesium may be the most important element needed by our bodies. It is vital for heart health, bone health, mental function and the overall body. It is often an element that is deficient in our bodies as well.Lack of magnesium may put your heart and your overall health at significant risk and that magnesium deficiency may be linked to cognitive dysfunction and mental decline.
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in our body. It regulates calcium, potassium and sodium in our systems. It also activates over 300 different biochemical reactions necessary for the body to function properly. And, contrary to popular misconceptions, it is magnesium that is actually most important in building strong bones and preventing bone loss.
Called the “The Forgotten Mineral” and the “5-Cent Miracle Tablet” by researchers, magnesium is a muscle relaxant and low magnesium intake is associated with muscle spasm, tremors and convulsions. Magnesium protects against heart disease and heart attacks, high blood pressure and stroke, type II diabetes and much more.
It has been reported that adequate amounts of this mineral in the population at large would greatly diminish the incidence of kidney stones, calcified mitral heart valve, premenstrual tension, constipation, miscarriages, stillbirths, strokes, diabetes, thyroid failure, asthma, chronic eyelid twitch, brittle bones, chronic migraines, muscle spasms and anxiety reactions.
Magnesium deficiency has also been associated with the following:
- Insomnia and other sleep-disorders
- Body-tension
- Muscle tension, cramps and spasms
- Headaches
- Irregular-heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- PMS
- Backaches
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
- Accelerated aging
- Depression
- Anxiety and irritability
What can we eat naturally to obtain magnesium? Here’s a list of food that contains good amounts of magnesium:
- Pumpkin and squash seeds
- Brazil nuts, soybeans, pine nuts, almonds
- Bran cereal
- Quinoa
- Spinach
- Buckwheat flour, Oat bran
- White beans
- Pollock, walleye
Magnesium is also a powerful antioxidant that keeps cell membranes flexible and protected against the onslaught of cancer-causing free radicals. Since our increased consumption of processed foods, fast foods, and our depleted soils, there has been a steady increase in mineral deficiencies. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in the body and is essential for good health. It is mostly found in the bones, teeth and red blood cells (approximately 50%). The other half is largely found inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood. The body takes magnesium from the diet and excretes the excess through urine and stool. A balanced diet contains enough magnesium for the body’s functional requirements. There are many benefits to magnesium in our diet. Be sure to talk with your trainer to make sure you fit it into your diet safely.
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