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Magnesium The Miracle Pill!

Magnesium, the most common macromineral deficiency that no one knows about!  This is a crucial part of the diet!  Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body.  This macromineral is responsible for the metabolism of food, synthesis of fatty acids and proteins, and the transmission of nerve impulses.

What happens when you are deficient?  A LOT!  Symptoms can develop shortly after the body has depleted all of its magnesium stores.  Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue and weakness.  More advanced symptoms include numbness, muscle cramps, seizures, personality changes, and heart rhythm changes.  Magnesium deficiency is linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Magnesium is important for bone formation.  It helps assimilate calcium into the bone and plays a roll in activating Vitamin D.  With magnesium, a high intake of calcium can increase the risk of arterial calcification and cardiovascular disease, as well as kidney stones.  This important supplement plays an important role in carbohydrate and glucose metabolism.  Adequate magnesium intake has been associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.  This supplement has also been known to prevent migraine headaches, improve PMS symptoms, and relieve anxiety!

Where can I find this miracle pill?  Magnesium can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, spinach, cashews, broccoli, oatmeal, peanut butter, brown rice, bananas, and bread.  These are just a few of the foods that are good sources of magnesium. Magnesium supplements are available online and  in health food stores.  It is better to focus on a healthful, balanced diet to meet daily requirements for magnesium, and to use supplements as a backup, but under medical supervision.