Magnesium, why it's important and how to get more of it.

Magnesium is a mineral found mostly in leafy green vegetables and nuts. It is the fourth most important mineral in the body and 50% of your body's Magnesium is found in our bones and is responsible for over 300 reactions in the body. So it is a very important mineral and one we should all be trying to include in our diets. In fact it is estimated that over half of Americans don't get enough Magnesium. There are also some studies suggesting that Magnesium deficiency my be a huge factor in the increase of heart attacks.

Here is a list of  the symptoms and complications caused by  Magnesium deficiency.

1. Calcium deficiency
2. Irregular heart rhythms
3. Weakness
4. Muscle cramps
5. Tremors
6. Nausea
7. Anxiety
8. High blood pressure
9. Respiratory issues
10. Dizziness
11. Fatigue
12. Potassium deficiency
13. Difficulty swallowing
14. Poor memory
15. Confusion
16. Loss of appetite
17. Hyperglycemia
18. ADHD
19. Epilepsy
20. Parkinson’s disease
21. Sleep problems
22. Migraine
23. Cluster headaches
24. Osteoporosis
25. Premenstrual syndrome
26. Chest pain (angina)
27. Cardiac arrhythmias
28. Coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis
29. Hypertension
30. Type II diabetes
31. Asthma

So how can we add Magnesium to our diets and how much do we need? It is really hard to say because we are all so very different and are needs are too. Taking up to 350 mg of Magnesium a day is safe for most adults but I think the safest way is the natural way. The body doesn't absorb Magnesium supplements as well as it does from eating Magnesium rich foods. I personally do take a Magnesium supplement and so does my husband who has seen huge improvements in his asthma but we also include many Magnesium rich foods in our diets. Foods like Almonds,Cashews, Molasses, Buckwheat, Brazil nuts, Millet Pecans, Dark leafy greens, some beans, peas, seeds, and whole, unrefined grains.

My favorite way to get more Magnesium in my system and the best way for your body to absorb it is to take a long warm Epsom salt bath.
So grow some greens and juice them and make salads with them. Eat more nuts, beans and peas. Finally grab a good book and take a soothing Epsom salt bubble bath, for your health.