You probably know, how important calcium and vitamin D are for your bone health.  However, the mineral magnesium is definitely on the “A list”, in contributing to your body’s overall health.  If fact, calcium cannot work its magic without sufficient quantities of magnesium present in your body.

According to experts, magnesium is such a hard worker, it provides the following support for your body:

1. Helps prevent Osteoporosis.
2. May protect against type 2 Diabetes.
3. Is essential for a healthy Heart.
4. Helps regulate your blood pressure.
5. Can relieve insomnia and migraine headaches.

With these great benefits, you’d figure that ads for magnesium supplements should be plastered at every street intersection.  However, true magnesium deficiency is rare in America.  Instead, there are various medical conditions which can effect the magnesium balance in your body.  Some of these medical offenders include:

• Kidney disease;
• Active diabetes;
• Irritable bowel syndrome; and
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

The fact that various medical conditions can deplete your body’s magnesium level, makes it imperative to talk with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.  These supplements have possible side effects and medication interactions, which are best evaluated by a doctor.

Current recommended daily intakes of magnesium are:

• Adult Men - 420mg a day; and
• Adult Women -  310mg a day.

Special situations, such as athletic training or recovery from illness, may require an increase in daily magnesium requirement.

University of Maryland Medical Center, has a great guide to Magnesium on its website.  It includes condition-specific information and dietary sources of the mineral, for your reference.  Check it out today!

The Bottom Line:  Your body is truly a work of art.  So many minerals and vitamins, all working together for your benefit.  That’s why awareness of the role of magnesium in your health, can only add to your awe of the magnificence, that is your body.  Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you.

By the way, have you eaten whole grains or wheat bran today?

It’s your life, live well.