The Role Magnesium Plays in the Plan for Good Health

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 26th, 2010

Following a diet consisting of a variety of healthy food choices is really all that is necessary to stay healthy. The problem in our society is that there are too many temptations to keep us off the path of healthy eating. Although this is often the case, you should be careful that your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs.

When your body does not get the vitamins and minerals it needs it will often give you warning signs. It can take a couple of days or many years, but if you fail to act on these warning signs you run the risk of developing a serious health condition. If you don't feel that you know your body well enough to know when you are in good health, a visit to your health practitioner for a physical may be necessary.

Of the minerals that you should attempt to consume sufficient amounts of on a regular basis is magnesium. Magnesium is a metallic element that plays several vital roles in the body. Magnesium is essential for the formation of bones and teeth, for muscle contraction, for the transmission of nerve impulses, and for the activation of many enzymes (substances that promote biochemical reactions in the body). There are about 1.25 ounces (35 g) of magnesium in an average-sized person, much of it in the bones and teeth.

A normal diet contains sufficient magnesium. Deficiency (which is rare) usually occurs as a result of a health condition, such as an intestinal disorder that impairs absorption of both calcium and of magnesium, a severe kidney disease, alcoholism, or prolonged treatment with diuretic drugs or digitalis drugs. If you have a deficiency of magnesium, you may experience heart arrhythmias, migraines, or difficulty sleeping.

The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies from 50 mg in the newborn to 400 mg in young men. Women have slightly requirements for magnesium, except during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Dietary sources are green, leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, soybeans, milk, and seafood. If you don't eat a sufficient amount of these foods you may want to discuss vitamin supplementation with your health practitioner.

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