Magnesium is important for over 300 metabolic reactions in the human body.  A growing crisis is emerging the the United States as some studies report that 60 to 80% of Americans are Magnesium deficient based on consumption of the standard American diet (S-A-D)

How can this be?

Many factors lead to magnesium deficiency:

• Many people make very poor food choices based on their busy lifestyle.
• The most abundant foods are refined foods that have the nutrients striped away.
• Cooking foods can reduce mineral and magnesium content by 50%.
• Consumption of white refined sugars, carbonated beverages, coffee and fluoridated or softened water will deplete magnesium from the body.
• Alcohol consumption in excess will block magnesium absorption.

So what do you think happens if you are magnesium deficient?  Can you tell by looking in the mirror?  Here is a list of Medical Conditions that have been linked to magnesium deficiency:

• Hypertension
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Angina or Chest Pain
• Heart Palpitations
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Premature ejaculation
• Fibromyalgia
• Leg Cramps
• Anxiety
• Difficulty Sleeping

Did you have any idea that so many things could be linked to a simple nutrient?   Think about magnesium the next time you see one of those ridiculous ads on TV for an overpriced sleeping pill promising blissful rest throughout the night.  All you may really need is a little bit of magnesium.  The same is true if you are flirting with high blood pressure.  Do you know what they give to expecting mothers when they have high blood pressure, you guessed it – magnesium.

Food Sources

• Fruit or vegetables (bananas, apricots, avocados
• Nuts (almonds, cashews)
• Peas and beans, seeds
• Soy products
• Whole grains (brown rice, millet)

Magnesium Supplementation

This is one case where it is probably not possible for you to consume adequate magnesium in your diet unless you are a very disciplined raw food diet convert.  As noted above, cooking and processing foods reduces and destroys the magnesium content of food dramatically.  It is possible that you could get some magnesium from organic raw vegetables.   A high quality vitamin supplement can be a very economical and convenient option.

The recommended daily allowance for magnesium for adults over 21 varies from 300 to 400mg.  The problem with that government stat is that if you are already deficient it may take six weeks to overcome the deficiency alone, before you start getting the real benefits of magnesium supplementation.   So stick with it. Make sure you choose a high quality supplement, preferably a magnesium glycinate or chelate.  Magnesium oxide and citrate will only help you go to the bathroom, so leave that one on the shelf.  Start your journey to a healthier life today.

Related Posts from Super Size Your Health

• What Nutrients do Blood Pressure Medications Deplete?
• What are Vitamins And Minerals?
• Top 5 Power Foods
• How Can Green Tea Benefit My Family?
• What Vitamins Improve Libido and Boost the Female Sexual Life