Not everyone is familiar with this powerhouse of a mineral. It is not as common as iron or zinc, which have been popularized by commercialism. But do you know that magnesium actually serves more purposes than zinc and iron combined?
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a very important mineral that plays many roles in the various metabolic functions of the body. It particularly helps in the production of energy.
What are the benefits that may be associated with Magnesium?
- Helps make your bones rigid and flexible.
- It helps increase the bio-availability of calcium.
- It helps to regulate and normalize blood pressure.
- It may prevent and reverse the formation of kidney stones.
- It may promote sound sleep.
- It may help prevent congestive heart failure.
- It may help ease muscle cramps and spasms.
- It may help in lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
- It may decrease insulin resistance.
- It may prevent arteriosclerosis and stroke from happening.
- It may help relieve cluster and migraine headaches.
- It may enhance circulation.
- It may help relieve fibromyalgia and chronic pain attacks.
- It may help treat asthma and emphysema.
Source: De Angellis, Tony, “Tony’s Tidbits: Magnificent Magnesium,” Tony’s Tidbits, Jan 2002.
How do you combat magnesium deficiency?
Our diet has a lot to do with nutritional intake. And one way to combat magnesium deficiency is by improving on our diet.
First order of the day is to avoid refined and processed foods. It cannot be over emphasized that processed foods have been mostly devoid of important nutrients, like magnesium.
Second, try eating more green vegetables. This type of food contains high levels of chlorophyll, which also contains magnesium. It also contains other nutrients that are vital to our health.
Third, incorporate some fermented foods and drinks in your diet. Having a lot of good bacteria may help the gut absorb more magnesium from our foods.
Take magnesium supplement. There are many magnesium supplements in the market that you can choose from. However, make sure that what you will choose are trusted brands.
For more information on magnesium and to know more about your options on magnesium supplements, you may pay us a visit at Bayview Pharmacy in Dunedin. We will be more than happy to assist you.