Eating on the run? Tired of experimenting with new diets? Forget to eat your veggies? These are all common factors among many of us. Busy schedules, fad diets, and bad eating habits get in the way of proper nutrition. Luckily, there are mineral supplements and multi-vitamins to help replace much needed nutrients such as zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Zinc, calcium, and magnesium are the three most important minerals for good health. Magnesium aids the absorption of calcium by the body, while zinc actively supports the body’s immune system.
Good dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, legumes, fish, whole grains, wheat germ, seeds and nuts, particularly almonds. Unfortunately, the average person does not get the recommended daily allowance of magnesium from their diet alone. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 320 mg/day for women and 420 mg/ day for men.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for staying healthy and is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Furthermore, it helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps bones and teeth strong.
In addition, magnesium is required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. In the stomach, it helps neutralize stomach acid and moves stools through the intestine.
Magnesium is also known for aiding in bone mineral density which can help keep osteoporosis at bay, prevent cardiovascular disease which may reduce the chance of having a stoke, regulates high blood pressure, treat diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels, and heals migraines, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, for women, magnesium can be a relief from symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome. It could also reduce the risk of premature labor.
Athletes sometimes use magnesium to increase energy and endurance levels. People of all ages benefit immensely from the intake of magnesium for the apparent reasons listed above. It is important for people with certain medical conditions, as well as anyone who may have a magnesium deficiency with symptoms including leg cramps, migraines and fatigue, to take a magnesium supplement.