Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical functions in the body, such as regulating heartbeat rhythms and helping neurotransmitter functions. The body loses stores of magnesium every day from normal functions such as muscle movement, heartbeat and hormone production. An estimated eighty percent are lacking in this vital mineral. Although we only need small amounts of magnesium relative to other nutrients, we must regularly replenish our stores either from foods or magnesium supplements in order to prevent deficiency symptoms. Common natural sources of magnesium are bananas, green leafy vegetables and beans and nuts.

While we’re all familiar with the importance of calcium for strong bones, it can’t do the job alone, as it requires magnesium to help transfer the calcium into bone. Magnesium relaxes muscles, including your heart muscle and blood vessels, and helps the heart muscle itself function optimally. It’s also a natural sleep aid; many suffering from insomnia have added magnesium supplementation to their sleep regimen. For detoxification purposes, your body’s “master antioxidant,” glutathione requires magnesium for its synthesis.

Additional roles of magnesium include the activating of enzymes that metabolize and use vitamin D. Magnesium also has been shown to help reverse vitamin D resistance. Science has shown that magnesium plays a key role in improving insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose, and helping prevent type 2 diabetes. Several studies from 2013 all concluded that magnesium’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity may actually slow or stop progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.

The health benefits of magnesium include:

– Helps Increase Energy
– Calms Nerves & Anxiety
– Helps With Digestion by Relieving Constipation
– Relieves Muscle Aches and Spasms
– Regulates Levels of Calcium, Potassium and Sodium
– Important for Heart Health
– Prevents Migraine Headaches
– Helps Prevent Osteoporosis