The Importance of Magnesium

Many of us, particularly young people, are not getting enough magnesium. Most of us have no idea just how important this mineral is and the vital role it plays. With over 300 biochemical operations dependant on magnesium it is safe to say it plays an important role!

Top of the list is magnesium's ability to lower blood sugar. if your blood sugar rises too fast or too frequently your pancreas reacts by firing insulin into the blood stream. High insulin levels can lead to excess fat, inflammation and coronary disease, all because of a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is good for cleansing the bowels, as when ingested, it pulls fluid to the intestine - allowing stools to be evacuated more easily and relaxes the muscles of the stomach.

Magnesium also lowers blood pressure and is used to treat heart arrhythmia and pre-eclampsia.

According to a study published in the journal of Medical Hypotheses, low levels of magnesium are linked to lower amounts of serotonin. So if you want more of the feel-good chemical you need more magnesium!

Magnesium also plays a vital role in our mitochondria, which are responsible for creating our cellular energy. Magnesium stabilises the membranes of our mitochondria - this ensures the structural integrity of our cells.

Add bone density and and a healthy nervous system to the mix and it is easy to see why we all need to up our magnesium intake. It is extremely non toxic and is very difficult to have too much magnesium yet a deficiency can be the source of multiple issues. 

As always get your magnesium from natural sources such as dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocados, bananas or even a little dark chocolate!

Our increased consumption of processed foods is one element to blame for our deficiencies - these are very low in magnesium generally. Excess coffee, salt and alcohol also lowers our magnesium levels as does stress anxiety and depression. Oh and ladies - you are prone to lower levels so is doubly important you get your magnesium fix!