Magnesium deficiency is probably more common in Western societies than you make think. The magnesium that we require for many varied functions in the body would normally be sourced from food. Yet the soil that our food comes from is reportedly becoming more and more depleted in magnesium.

Magnesium is required for such issues as

– uncontrolled diabetes

– some heart conditions

– kidney problems

– bone strength

– the endocrine system and so on.

If you think that you may be deficient then it may be worth chatting to your doctor to see whether it may be appropriate for you to consider taking a magnesium test. If the result indicate that you may be suffering from low magnesium then taking magnesium supplements could well be the way for you to go.

8 reasons why people take magnesium

1. Improved exercise and athletic performance. A magnesium deficiency can limit your athletic performance and constrain your recovery from strenuous exercise.
2. Augments the strength and integrity of your bones. If you are lacking in magnesium in your diet then there is a chance that you may suffer from bone weakening. Magnesium reportedly stimulates the production of calcitonin that regulates calcium levels and is important for the building of bone.
3. Improved sleep quality.  There has been research that indicates that magnesium may influence some receptors in the brain. Without sufficient magnesium it is possible that we may remain in a hyperactive state with our minds racing as we try to rest.  An alternative is that a magnesium deficiency impacts on muscle relaxation during sleep. (www.magnesiumsupplementbenefits.com/sleeping.php)
4. Relaxes and calms the nervous system. Inadequate magnesium may be correlated with reduced levels of serotonin which significantly impacts on our mood and general state of wellbeing.
5. Maintains good cardiovascular health. Studies have implied that people who have a magnesium deficiency are potentially at a greater risk of suffering heart attacks and or being affected by coronary artery disease. Some researchers have suggested that magnesium supplements may reduce cholesterol levels by up to 25%.
6. Required for good dental health. Typically around 60% of the body’s magnesium supply is stored in the bones and the teeth. If you are deficient then there is a chance that magnesium may be leached from bones and teeth to go to where the body feels it may be required.
7. Reduced risk of cramping. Whilst the mechanisms and causes for cramping are not fully understood, there is at least some anecdotal evidence that lacking in magnesium can increase the risk of suffering from cramps. This may be of particular relevance during pregnancy.
8. Increases levels of free testosterone. Taking magnesium supplements has been shown to increase testosterone levels by around 20%.