“Magnesium deficiency can produce symptoms of anxiety or depression.”
~ Carolyn Dean
Is Magnesium a Miracle Mineral?
Magnesium for bones: This mineral is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth, 65% of our magnesium is stored here. A diet rich in magnesium helps protect the body from osteoporosis.
Magnesium for constipation: Easing constipation is one of the health benefits of magnesium. If your body has too little calcium and magnesium, you may have inadequate peristalsis, which is that automatic pushing you feel, those automatic contractions that happen during a bowel movement.
Magnesium for kidney stones: Taking magnesium, along with vitamin B6, significantly reduces the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Magnesium as treatment for heart attack: Intravenous magnesium, when given as soon as possible after a heart attack, decreases death rate.
Magnesium for migraines: Health benefits of magnesium include relieving migraines. To stop a migraine headache, take a relatively rapid intravenous injection of magnesium and vitamin B6.
Magnesium for hypertension: Magnesium can be used support the regulation of a healthy blood pressure.
Magnesium for incontinence: Women with urinary urge incontinence (also called overactive bladder) may benefit from taking magnesium supplements.
Magnesium for stress: In the nutrition world, this wonder mineral is known as the anti-stress mineral. It acts as a natural relaxant and nourishes the electrical system of the body. Taking a little bit before bed can help ensure and more relaxed sleep and calmer nervous system.
According to Dr. Nan Kathryn Fuchs, Women’s Health Letter publisher, you should take twice-as-much magnesium, as calcium. For example, if your daily intake of calcium is 500 milligrams, then you should take 1,000 milligrams of magnesium. Approximately 80% of the magnesium is lost when whole grains are refined to white flour. Processed foods typically are low in magnesium, and as many as three-quarters of Americans consume less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance for magnesium.
To ensure you get enough focus on these 4 Dietary Sources of Magnesium:
Green leafy vegetables: artichokes, kale, parsley, sprouts, bok-choy, broccoli, and collards
Nuts, Seeds and Legumes: almonds, pecans, cashews, brazil, soy flour, and tofu
Whole grains: barley, wheat germ, millet, buckwheat, and brown rice
Fish: halibut, tuna.