Magnesium is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body such as muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It is vital for good health. Seventy percent of women and eighty percent of men in America don’t get their Minimum Daily Requirement of magnesium.
One important function of magnesium is to keep our bones healthy. Having low magnesium levels changes how our bodies metabolize calcium and the hormones that regulate calcium. Taking magnesium may help improve your bone mineral density and might play a role in preventing osteoporosis.
Because of magnesium’s influence in insulin response in the body, it may help control blood glucose levels through it’s role in carbohydrate metabolism. Increasing your daily intake of magnesium may help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the January 2004 issue of “Diabetes Care.” The 18-year study followed the dietary intake of magnesium in 85,060 women and 42,872 men who did not have a family history of diabetes. The study found that the higher the magnesium intake, the lower the risk for acquiring type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include stress, trouble sleeping, low energy, fatigue, weakness, constipation, headaches, muscle tension, spasms, cramps, PMS, hormonal imbalances, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability.
You may be wondering what you can do to correct this imbalance. Incorporating more foods that are rich in magnesium and a good magnesium supplement are a great place to start. Some great food sources that contain magnesium are green vegetables, some legumes, nuts, and seeds. Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm magnesium is a great supplement to replenish your magnesium stores as it is readily absorbed by the body in it’s powder form. You can also soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath or take a relaxing tub bath with Epsom salt.