All About Magnesium

Magnesium has a large impact on maintaining overall health and well-being. As a matter of fact, after oxygen, water and basic food (which should contain magnesium if not processed out), magnesium may be the most important element your body needs. This mineral is involved in over 300 different biochemical reactions, all necessary for the body to function properly. Among these are digestion, energy production, muscle function, bone formation, creation of new cells, B-vitamin utilization, relaxation of muscles and heart, kidney and adrenal function, and the list goes on. Lack of magnesium can cause loss of sleep, anxiety, numbness, tingling, muscle tightness, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and more.

According to the American Diabetes Association two recent studies suggest that an increased intake of magnesium could have a role in reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. And, this is just one of the diseases that can be helped by supplementing magnesium.

But why should I have to supplement my diet with magnesium?

There are three main reasons that most people do not get enough magnesium through their normal diets:

1. Low levels of magnesium in food. When food is processed magnesium is lost. Take for example wheat. When wheat is refined to white flour, 80% of magnesium in wheat is removed.
2. There is about four times more calcium than magnesium in our foods. Calcium has much greater emphasis in our society. Such a discrepancy reduces the absorption of magnesium.
3. Your kidneys recycle much of your magnesium. Consumption of too much sugar, sodium, calcium and alcohol can cause the kidneys to release magnesium.

On your next appointment ask Dr. Mattingly, D.C. what you can do to get more magnesium.