How Magnesium Helps Your Body

Magnesium, often called the “forgotten mineral,” plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Despite its significance, many people are unaware of the importance of magnesium and its impact on various bodily functions. Let’s take a look now at the forms of magnesium, its bioavailability, symptoms of imbalance, magnesium-rich foods, and the importance of testing for optimal health.  Sometimes a magnesium imbalance can be at the root of many health-related issues.

Forms of Magnesium and Bioavailability

Magnesium is available in various forms, each with its own level of bioavailability – the extent to which the body can absorb and utilize the mineral. Common forms include magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium malate. Among these, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate are generally considered to be more bioavailable, meaning the body better absorbs them compared to other forms.

Symptoms of Magnesium Imbalance

Maintaining an appropriate balance of magnesium is essential for properly functioning numerous physiological processes. An imbalance, whether too high or too low, can lead to various symptoms.

1. Too Low (Deficiency)

– Fatigue and weakness
– Muscle cramps and spasms
– Unexplained widespread body pain
– Nausea and vomiting
– Irregular heartbeat
– Personality changes
– Tingling or numbness
– Osteoporosis or bone fractures

2. Too High (Excess)

– Diarrhea
– Nausea and vomiting
– Weakness
– Difficulty breathing
– Irregular heartbeat
– Lowered blood pressure

Foods Rich in Magnesium

To maintain optimal magnesium levels, incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet is crucial. Some excellent dietary sources of magnesium include:
– Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)
– Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds)
– Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa)
– Legumes (black beans, lentils)
– Seafood (mackerel, salmon)
– Dark chocolate

Importance of Testing for Magnesium Levels

Given the prevalence of magnesium deficiency, testing is vital in understanding and managing your magnesium status. Blood tests, such as serum magnesium, are commonly used to assess magnesium levels. However, it’s important to note that standard blood tests may not always accurately reflect magnesium levels within cells, where magnesium is primarily stored.

A more accurate method is the magnesium red blood cell (RBC) test, which measures the amount of magnesium inside red blood cells. This provides a better indication of intracellular magnesium levels and offers valuable insights into one’s overall magnesium status.

Magnesium is a mineral that often goes unnoticed in discussions about nutrition, yet its role in maintaining health is indispensable. From energy production to muscle function and bone health, magnesium is involved in numerous physiological processes. Understanding the symptoms of magnesium imbalance, incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet, and, most importantly, testing for magnesium levels are crucial steps toward optimizing your health. By giving due attention to this overlooked mineral, you can pave the way for a healthier and more balanced life.