What is magnesium good for?
Magnesium is used in over 300 enzymatic reactions, which ranks it as the most used mineral in the body. Patients with heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines, high blood pressure, blood sugar disorders, muscle weakness, cramps and tremors usually have below normal levels of magnesium. Did you know that over 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium?

Why are we deficient?
The reason most Americans do not receive enough magnesium is due to our diet and stress levels. Most Americans eat foods that are processed or enriched which contain little or even no magnesium. The body expends much of its paltry supply to process carbohydrates, cleanse itself of smog, pesticides and other daily toxins while perspiration and stress drain what is left.

While some Americans claim they take a vitamin and mineral supplement that contains magnesium, in reality they are not getting what they are paying for. Most companies use magnesium oxide as their source of magnesium. This allows the supplement company to keep costs low (which keeps profits up) and still make the dose look appealing to the unknowing consumer. Yet research shows that you only absorb 1/10th of magnesium oxide! You should choose a supplement that contains magnesium aspartate as the main source, which is a Krebs cycle intermediate and enhances the absorption rate. The Optimal Daily Allowance (ODA) is between 400-600 mg; this allowance is for the elemental form of the mineral hence why you want to take the aspartate form.

What foods contain magnesium?
Magnesium is found in all of the foods you know you should be eating and probably are not. Whole grains and green leafy vegetables are a good source of magnesium and should be part of every meal. Fruit and nuts are a good source of magnesium and can be used as foods to snack on.

What is the Chiropractic connection?
I have found patients with low levels of magnesium who complain of tension headaches are prime candidates for magnesium supplementation. After a course of adjustive treatments along with restoring magnesium to proper levels I have seen tension headaches disappear and not return. Athletes who complain of abnormal fatigue and chronic injuries see vast improvement once proper biomechanics and magnesium levels are restored.

To order:
"Nutrition for a Wellness Lifestyle" by Dr. Brandon Di Novi visit http://www.DiNoviWellness.com

Disclaimer:
You should consult a physician in all matters relating to health before making any significant lifestyle or dietary changes. Please make an appointment with Dr. Brandon Di Novi, Chiropractic Physician for further information.