Amanda here, writing today on the topic of the supplement magnesium. A question that I often am asked as a clinician is: 'What can I be doing for my muscle health?' While I make varying recommendations based on each patients' health history, etc., one of the recommendations that I frequently make is: 'Start supplementing your diet with magnesium.' So what is magnesium and why is it important to both sports medicine and wellness?
What Magnesium is:
Magnesium is a mineral and essential nutrient for the body. While it has benefit to many processes within the human body, its main functions are to keep muscles strong, nerves functioning well, and a healthy heart and bones. Finally, it also plays a major role in energy level, helping the body to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
Why Magnesium is important:
Magnesium is important because it is crucial to a human body's function. However, many Americans are deficient in magnesium because of poor diet. The easiest and best way to make sure you are NOT magnesium deficient is to eat a healthy diet that is rich in foods that naturally contain magnesium. These foods include: Green, Leafy Vegetables such as Kale and Spinach; Nuts (Every variety); Beans, peas and soybeans; and healthy whole-grains. Try to eat whole foods as much as possible, because with processing and refining of foods, magnesium is lost through the process.
Finally, a really good and enjoyable resource to learn more about magnesium is a book I highly and regularly recommend: 'The Miracle of Magnesium' by Carolyn Dean. You can find it on Amazon or any book store!
'Without Magnesium we are operating with the power turned-off.' - Dr. Carolyn Dean
Be Well,
Amanda
Contact:
amanda@activeedgemassage.com
515-428-2336 (Direct)