Magnesium a crucial mineral for the body

THE human body is a fascinating biological machine with trillions of chemical reactions taking place daily.

Most of us are aware of the need for a diet rich in a variety of vegetables and the benefit of avoiding processed foods.

Think of it this way – every meal and snack is an opportunity to fuel your body for those trillions of reactions. Low quality food is a waste of space if you want your machine to be well oiled.

Magnesium is a crucial mineral for our body and many of us in the west are deficient.

Low levels can lead to muscular spasms, fatigue, migraines and even cardiac problems.

Good levels assist sleep and anxiety by relaxing the nervous system. Poorly controlled diabetes and digestive absorption issues (celiac, irritable bowel syndromes) increase the risk of low magnesium.

Alcohol and many drugs, including antibiotics, also increase magnesium loss.

So whether you are managing an illness and symptoms or wanting to get the most out of your body, magnesium supplementation can be important. Supplementation can be done orally (powder is preferable) or by skin application with products in oil or cream form.

Don’t neglect natural food sources of magnesium either. Dark leafy greens like spinach, and everyone’s favourite superfood, kale, are good sources.

Legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains are more options.

Chocolate lovers will be happy to know that cocoa is naturally high in magnesium, but make sure it’s dark chocolate, and don’t go overboard because high sugar intake can deplete magnesium.

Dr James MacKay is a chiropractor at HealthGuard Wellness, Toowoomba, and a member of the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia.