As a musculoskeletal expert, Dr. Dana Winchester knows the importance of keeping bones, muscles and nerves healthy.  Along with chiropractic adjustments and exercise, you can keep these areas in optimal condition by adopting good nutritional habits.

You know that getting sufficient calcium is vital for bone health.  But did you know about the importance of magnesium? Most of this vital mineral is found in your bones and tissues.  Not only does magnesium support the muscle and skeletal structure of your body, but it plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of other health conditions.

Who’s Most at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency?

Since drugs can deplete magnesium, seniors are often candidates for this mineral deficiency as they tend to use medications more than other age groups.

Type 2 diabetics may have lower magnesium levels because their kidneys can’t store magnesium when glucose levels increase.

A study found that patients with cardiac disease may have lower levels of magnesium due to diuretic medications. 

Magnesium for Bone Health and Beyond

Getting enough of this mineral can bring plenty of positive changes to your health.

Magnesium performs a significant role in bone mineral density, (BMD), which refers to how much calcium and other minerals are included in a specific area of bone.  The disease osteoporosis reduces bone mineral density. In a recent study on nutrition and BMD, researchers found that proper intake of magnesium was associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women.

Research shows magnesium can also be useful in the treatment of:

Depression

Anxiety

Metabolic syndrome

Muscle spasms

Insomnia

Headaches

Hyperactivity

Seizures

PMS

How to Increase Your Magnesium Levels

Adjust your diet to include plenty of magnesium rich foods like halibut, almonds, spinach, soybeans, bananas, and brown rice (long grain).

In some situations, it may be necessary for you to supplement your dietary intake of magnesium.  Getting magnesium through your diet is safe.  But you need to be aware that magnesium supplements can negatively interact with some medications and can also pose a serious risk for people with certain medical conditions.  Get advice from your chiropractor before supplementing with any nutrient.