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The Undervalued Nutrient: Magnesium

 

Ever had trouble sleeping or feeling weak? Do you have regular muscle pain or cramps or have you ever had to deal with depression, anxiety, headaches, constipation or high blood pressure?

These and other health issues could indicate you’re needing more of the wonderful nutrient magnesium.It is estimated that no less than 60% of all Americans suffer from a magnesium deficiency, particularly due to the growing production of processed foods, soil depletion and the boiling and consumption of low-mineral water.

Magnesium’s function in the body

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It is involved in more than 300 biochemical processes in your body, so is an essential nutrient for many crucial physiological functions, including heart rhythm, nerve function, muscle contraction and relaxation, digestion, formation of DNA and RNA, creating energy and bone formation.

Diagnosing magnesium deficiency

For some people symptoms of a magnesium deficiency might be very noticeable, yet it is often overlooked. Also, people are rarely tested on magnesium deficiency, as diagnosing people with 100% accuracy can be quite difficult.

Blood tests do not yield a lot of information on magnesium, because the body controls the level of magnesium very rigidly. If magnesium in the blood drops just a little, you might suffer a heart attack. As a consequence, the body may rob all the cells and tissues of magnesium in order to restore the blood level. It is important to understand this when looking at blood test results.

Foods high in magnesium

There are numerous magnesium supplements out there. We recommend contacting a practitioner before taking any of these supplements. When going to the supermarket you will be able to get a hold of magnesium supplements yourself, but these supplements are often poor quality. In the meantime, try eating more magnesium rich foods, such as:

  • Avocado
  • Figs
  • Kefir
  • Black beans
  • Spinach
  • Chard
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Nuts
  • Mackerel
  • Halibut
  • Whole grains
  • Okra
  • Dark chocolate

“To optimize your current state of wellbeing, please contact us today to arrange an Epigenetics Wellbeing Assessment.”