As we already mentioned, magnesium is in control of all our body muscles including the heart. Keeping your magnesium levels in check is vital for proper heart rhythm, and one study showed that low magnesium serum levels are related to increased risk of heart disease.
Diabetes
Magnesium regulates the amount of insulin production and blood glucose levels, which means that lack of it may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. This is why it’s very important to keep your magnesium levels in your body in check in order to prevent further problems.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease which occurs due to low calcium and magnesium levels. Magnesium is important for proper bone development and vitamin D synthesis, and plays a big part in the proper health of our bones.
Migraines
Lack of magnesium has been associated with headaches and migraines as both conditions are related to blood vessel contractions which are regulated by them mineral. People with painful migraines have been found to have seriously low magnesium serum levels in their blood, although further research on the matter is needed.
Besides these 4 health problems, magnesium can also cause hormonal imbalance, sleeping disorders, other nutrient deficiencies, anxiety, depression, artery calcification and pregnancy problems as well.
How to test for magnesium deficiency?
Due to the fact that most of the mineral is in the soft tissue and bones, and the fact that magnesium deficiency doesn’t really manifest through specific symptoms, testing for low magnesium levels can be a challenge. In general, doctors should measure your magnesium tolerance, the amount of magnesium in your stool, the concentration of the mineral in the saliva, urine and erythrocytes as well as the ionized magnesium in the plasma, serum and blood.
The best way to resolve magnesium deficiency is through dietary sources. There are plenty of options to pick from, but the best are leafy green veggies, nuts and seeds as well as whole grains. Of course, consuming processed foods is out of the question if you want to keep the levels of magnesium in your body intact.
Here are the best magnesium-rich foods:
- Broccoli;
- Carrots;
- Baked potato;
- Spinach;
- Black beans;
- Raisins;
- Apples;
- Avocado;
- Bananas;
- Cashews;
- Peanuts;
- Almonds;
- Quinoa;
- Low-fat yogurt;
If you’re considering taking magnesium supplements, you should consult with your doctor first. There are different supplements based on different version of the mineral, and many of them can interfere with the action of some medications. Excessive magnesium supplementation can lead to diarrhea and stomach cramps, which is why you should consult a professional before taking supplements.
