Is Your Body Craving More of This Essential Mineral?

Have you ever noticed that your body knows what it needs? That your mysterious cravings tell you exactly what might be missing? Or if you pay attention to specific symptoms, you might be able to figure out which essential nutrients and minerals you lack?

If you’re a regular reader you know how important I think nutrients are to overall health. Our bodies know what they need, and when they aren’t getting enough of something, we feel lousy.

Take magnesium, for example. Since most of the magnesium in our bodies is found inside cells or in our bones, a simple blood test won’t tell us if we’re getting enough. While severe deficiency might be rare, not getting enough on a regular basis can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, memory issues, painful joints, and constipation.

Magnesium deficiency is a critical problem because our cells simply can’t function without this essential mineral. Magnesium is a factor in regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, and optimal immune system functioning. It also plays a part in regulating heart rhythm and nerve functioning. That’s a lot of important activity!

As we age, the risk of magnesium deficiency is even greater due to decreased ability to absorb it, and increased excretion of the mineral by the kidneys. That makes it even more important to pay attention to your intake, and monitor your symptoms. Things you might view as an inevitable part of getting older usually are a sign of a deficiency that you can do something about.

The best way to get enough is to pay attention to what you are eating. Leafy greens are a fantastic source of the important mineral. Other foods that boost your magnesium intake include nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. An ounce of almonds or cashews or ½ cup of cooked spinach or black beans all have more than 50 mg of magnesium, for instance.

With all the delicious food choices that contain magnesium, it seems like it should be easy to get enough. But it’s not always that straightforward. Some digestive disorders can make absorption more difficult, as can medication interactions. That’s why I always recommend a high-quality multivitamin like our Adult Multivitamin, which contains magnesium as magnesium aspartate anhydrous and manganese as manganese amino acid chelate as part of a healthy daily regimen.

Taking action to provide your body all the essential nutrients and minerals it needs will allow you to become your best, most vibrant self. And isn’t that what we all want?

www.higherhealth.com.au

Yours in health,
Maria Lucey, Nutritionist and Health coach
0438 112 050