Magnesium is natural nutrient the body needs to thrive. In fact, it's the second most prevalent electrolyte, and yet it's one of the most undervalued nutrients available, as shared by Daniella Paciera, LDN, RD, CCN, presenter of last year's webinar "Magnesium - An Undervalued Essential Nutrient." But just how beneficial is this mineral, you ask? According to the National Institutes of Health, magnesium plays a key role in regulating biochemical reactions in more than 600 enzyme systems in the body. It's also necessary for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, and it contributes to structural development of bones and the transportation of calcium and potassium across cell membranes. Essentially, without magnesium, your body would find it difficult to thrive.
Our Top 10 Facts About Magnesium
To stomp out the ignorance associated with this valuable nutrient, here are 10 things you probably don't know in regard to magnesium:
1. Between 70 and 80 percent of all Americans are magnesium-deficient, according to Orthomolecular Medicine News Service.
2. By consuming too much calcium, you can deplete magnesium levels in the body.
3. Magnesium is vital for virtually every major body system, including brain function, muscles and organs, glands and hormones, bone structure, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system and the nervous system.
4. Those who are magnesium-deficient are more likely to develop chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as experience symptoms like harsh migraines and heartburn. Additionally, those who take medication to treat such conditions deplete magnesium in the body.
5. According to vegetarian lifestyle blog Love To Know, magnesium makes up less than 0.1 percent of the body, which gives new meaning to the phrase "a little bit goes a long way."
6. Consuming too much magnesium through food cannot harm you, because the kidneys eliminate excess amounts, according to the NIH. But taking high doses through supplements can cause issues likes cramping, nausea and diarrhea.
7. Magnesium is essential for the production of RNA and DNA.
8. Magnesium aids absorption of vitamins D and B6 and converts B1 into its active form.
9. A magnesium deficiency can impact a woman during the menstrual cycle - increasing symptoms like depression, moodiness and cramps.
10. While magnesium is known to be abundant in green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, modern farming often depletes soil, which makes taking a magnesium supplement critical.
Note: Though we stated that most commercially purchased foods that are normally high in magnesium may be deficient due to modern farming processes, this doesn't mean you can't get any magnesium from your favorite vegetables and other plant-based food options. If you grow sustenance from your garden - or know your farmer personally and understand how he or she takes care of the soil - you can rely on a plant-based diet to provide a multitude of magnesium. Some of the best sources include leafy greens, such as spinach, chard and kale; nuts; seeds; legumes; sea vegetables; broccoli; beets; bananas and some organic whole grains.
Start Taking Our Magnesium Complex
Are you convinced that magnesium is a top-tier nutrient you need to prioritize? Then consider our Magnesium Complex supplement. Our formula is a blend of magnesium succinate, magnesium taurinate, magnesium malate and magnesium aspartate, a chemical combination that increases its ability to be absorbed rapidly. With this supplement, you can support your cardiovascular health, maintain normal blood sugar levels, improve bone structure and strength and more. Read more of our key takeaways on the benefits of magnesium or stop wondering how you can enhance your overall health and bodily functioning, and start taking our magnesium supplements today!
