The Top 5 Reasons You Should Consider Magnesium as Part of Your Wellness Plan

A vital supplement worth considering as an addition to your health routine is Magnesium.  Why?  At least 50% (some studies show more than 70%) of Americans are incredibly deficient in magnesium.  For some, this is due to dietary choices (consuming a diet high in chemically altered fats, refined grains, sugar, and phosphates).  For many, it is due to this important concept: while technology has allowed for our crops to be grown in a way that rapidly produces a larger yield (agricultural advances can produce a higher quantity of food more quickly from one crop), but the ability for crops to manufacture or uptake nutrients during the growth process has not been able to keep up with the increasing quantity of food produced.  This means that while we are producing more food, our food does not have the nutrient levels it once did; i.e. a vegetable from today does not have the nutrient levels it did in 1950.  Due to soil depletion, magnesium is one of the main nutrients Americans are missing from their diet.  Let me explain the top 5 reasons why magnesium supplementation is important:

• People that are deficient in magnesium are prone to having increased issues with blood sugar, blood pressure, anxiety, sleep, headaches, and muscle cramping.  These are relatively common issues in the American population.  By supplementing with the proper form of magnesium, many of these issues may be avoided, while improving overall health.
• Many drugs interfere with magnesium levels in the body, including antibiotics, immune suppressants, and chemotherapy medications.  Taking a magnesium supplement can be essential to regaining health after consumption of one of these medications.
• According to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, low magnesium levels make it difficult for the body to process vitamin D.  Vitamin D is essential for maintaining and improving bone strength and health, as well as plays a critical role in the health of the immune system, the cardiovascular system, cancer prevention, reduction of blood sugar and inflammation, as well as brain health.  Vitamin D and Magnesium have a synergistic relationship—so having healthy levels of both nutrients is essential.
• There are several healthy foods that are naturally rich in magnesium such as almonds, cashews, chia sees, flaxseeds, black beans, quinoa, spinach, avocado, blackberries, potatoes, and dark chocolate.  But again, due to current agricultural practices, the magnesium nutrient level in these foods is declining (it is still better to include these healthy foods in your diet than not), but magnesium then becomes an important supplement to fuel health. 
• Different forms of magnesium can be used to boost your body’s magnesium levels and each form has specific benefits associated with it. 
• Magnesium Glycinate is the gold standard for increasing magnesium levels in those that are deficient as it is the easiest to absorb.  It also promotes quality sleep, while increasing emotional and mental calmness, so it can be taken before bed to enhance the restorative benefits of sleep while increasing magnesium levels.
• Magnesium L-Threonate is able to cross the blood brain barrier.  Individuals recovering from a brain injury, dealing with brain fog, or cognitive issues/decline can benefit from this popular form of magnesium.    
• Magnesium Malate is gentle on the digestive system while fueling ATP (energy) production. 
• Magnesium Citrate has also been shown to be fairly bioavailable, but can also cause loose stools.  This can be of assistance for constipation, but should be started slowly and may be chosen for short term-use. 

Each individual is unique, so consult your holistic health care provider to determine if magnesium supplementation is appropriate for you.  Magnesium is highly beneficial for enhancing a number of health and wellness factors!

Remember, Create Health by Choice, Not by Chance!