Magnesium is Necessary for Optimum Health

When the benefits of minerals to our health are being discussed most of the emphasis seems to be on bulk minerals like calcium and iron. This is unfortunate because our good health truly depends on getting plenty of a wide array of minerals. Magnesium is a mineral that does not receive enough attention. Based on the US RDA, 61% of adults lack sufficient magnesium to stay healthy. This means that most people today could be benefited by a supplementing their diet with magnesium.

Magnesium is best known for its role in preventing and reversing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. Magnesium assists the body absorb and use calcium. It also affects the various hormones in the body that influence bone density and calcium absorption. Getting plenty of magnesium helps increase bone density but helping the body utilize calcium more efficiently. Excess calcium can migrate into the muscles, leading to cramps and pain. It can also move into the kidneys where it solidifies forming kidney stones. Getting adequate magnesium makes sure that more of this calcium is used and may help prevent kidney stones.

Hypertension may also be prevented by magnesium. It seems the the smooth muscles that dilate the arteries are relaxed by magnesium. Doctors believe that this relaxation of these smooth muscle tissues reduces blood pressure. Potassium and magnesium also work together to control blood pressure. Through these functions, magnesium may help control hypertension.

Adult-onset or type 2 diabetes also seem to be be affected by magnesium deficiency. The break down of carbohydrates in the body requires magnesium. If there is a lack of magnesium, insulin resistance can result. This is a state in which the enzyme used by the body to balance our blood sugar does not work properly. More insulin becomes necessary to change the level of blood sugar. This often is a precursor condition to full type 2 diabetes. Getting sufficient magnesium increases the efficiency of carbohydrate metabolism and prevents the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Since magnesium has such an effect on diabetes and hypertension, it only seems natural that it would be a factor in cardiovascular health as well. Indeed, it is. Low magnesium is often associated with irregular heart rhythms. Sufficient levels of magnesium also help prevent abnormal clotting of the blood in the heart. Several studies have suggested that magnesium supplements can help lower the risk of stroke and heart disease and may help patients recover from strokes and heart attacks.

Much of the population does not get enough magnesium. This mineral influences a number of vital processes and in the body. This makes it one of the more important minerals of which to get an adequate amount. Supplementation is an excellent way to receive the many health benefits magnesium provides. A recommended supplemental amount of magnesium is twice the amount as any calcium supplements. Another recommendation is to use liquid mineral supplements. Liquid minerals are much more readily absorbed by the body and make a far greater amount of the magnesium available for use by the body’s cells. Don’t you owe it to yourself to make sure you benefit from the correct level of magnesium?

To learn more about the power of magnesium supplementsas well as other important mineral supplements, visit us online and download your FREE audio Minerals: What your body needs and why. Neil Butterfield is the owner of Mineralife and is also their mineral supplement expert, Mineralife is recognized nationwide for its excellence mineral supplements.