Magnesium is important for more than 300 chemical reactions in the human body. The standard American diet is very low in magnesium and high in refined carbohydrates which will increase the need for this vital mineral. If you have sugar cravings, are stressed out and or have low energy there is a good chance you need more magnesium. One of the reasons you need more magnesium is that human body can not make magnesium so it it vital to supply it everyday in adequate amounts.
Reasons You Need More Magnesium!
1. If we do not eat enough magnesium our muscles can become over-activated causing cramps, spasms and soreness.
2. A lack of magnesium can cause fatigue limiting endurance in athletic endeavors.
3. Magnesium is synergistic with calcium and phosphorus in building bones. Magnesium is even stored on the surface of bones for times when we do not get enough in our diet.
4. Magnesium helps regulate healthy blood flow for heart health and clot prevention.
5. When you think of magnesium, think strong muscles. Magnesium and amino acids work together to create a toned physique. Evey muscle contraction needs magnesium to happen so if we eat foods that have this mineral our metabolisms will speed up.
6. Magnesium can help balance blood sugar and reduce carbohydrate cravings.
7. Magnesium helps the smooth muscles in the digestive tract work properly and promotes regularity. It is also helpful for the formation of digestive enzymes and stomach acid production needed to break down food.
8. Magnesium can really help people with headaches and migraines because it allows nerves to relax.
9. Magnesium helps to balance healthy levels of cholesterol and bring down high triglycerides, which are caused by eating too much starch and sugar.
10. Magnesium is vital for relief of painful periods, bloating and cramps.
Bonus Tip: Anxiety and depression can be positively influenced by proper levels of magnesium.
Good food sources of magnesium are:
- leafy greens
- crunchy greens
- cucumbers
- bell peppers
- Cashews, almonds
- seeds: sunflower, flax, pumpkin
- green beans
- seaweed
- wild salmon, halibut, sardines
- melons
- berries
- avocados
How much do you need?
Experts agree adults need about 400-800 mg a day. It is important to get as much as you can in your diet from food and then add more if you are dealing with stress, muscle soreness, fatigue, sugar cravings, headaches, PMS, or digestive problems. That means basically everyone needs some supplemental magnesium.
What kind should I take:
Most magnesium found in drug stores is a cheap form of magnesium oxide which has very low in bio-availabilty. Natural Calm Raspberry Lemon is good magnesium citrate for people with constipation but it sometimes is not enough. Many people may also need to take Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Malate which are chelated for easier assimilation. A good supplemental amount would 400-600 mg per day.
You can also make an affordable magnesium spray at home for your skin. Follow these directions for DIY magnesium spray.
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A good way to get more magnesium is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet such as this one:
Sources:
Whfoods.com
Mayoclinic.com
Chriskresser.com