Sometimes the devil doesn't tempt us with evil; sometimes he allures us with good, distracts us with obligations, confuses us with compromise, or hinders us with business to keep us from that which is best- service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Remember, the devil always offers his best, before Christ will offer His will for your life.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Healthy Minute- Magnesium

Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal that our bodies need. To be able to absorb calcium, our bodies need double the magnesium intake to calcium intake. If the magnesium is lower, our bodies can't utilize the calcium even if we're eating an adequate supply.
Magnesium helps our muscles to relax, while calcium helps our muscles to contract. They are opposite sides of the coin that are both needed in our life. Most of the magnesium in our bodies is found in our bones and teeth. So, if you're starting to experience a lot of cavities or osteoporosis, you may want to look into your magnesium intake.
Phosphates, found in sodas, will bind to magnesium in the intestines and sweep it away before our body even has chance to absorb it. So, if we're actually ingesting enough, drinking a lot of soda will negate that.
Not only do sodas destroy our chances of getting enough magnesium, but sweets and caffeine, along with alcoholic beverages, also harm our magnesium supply. They can cause the kidneys to secrete what they have in store.
Stress is another thing that can drain the magnesium from our system. And some studies are showing that depression can be linked to a magnesium deficiency.
Our production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone rely on sufficient magnesium levels. It is also needed for your thyroid hormone conversion.
How do you know if you're magnesium deficient? It's not going to be found in a blood test, because only around 1% of the bodies magnesium levels show up in the blood. The symptoms can range from anxiety, difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or muscle cramps and spasms to bad memory, body odor, digestive problems, and thyroid issues- to name a few.
Where can you get magnesium? Leafy greens and sea veggies, especially chlorophyll, (because the ocean is abundant in magnesium) are great supplies. Also pumpkin and sunflower seeds, a variety of nuts, black beans, brown rice, and my favorite- dark chocolate! Also, epsom salt baths, magnesium oil, and a drink supplement called Calm are other sources for adding to your magnesium supply.
Note: if you are experiencing loose stools, you should take a cell salt form of magnesium- mag phos- instead of the oral supplements. Loose stools mean that the magnesium is going through you instead of being absorbed by your body. A cell salt would be easily absorbed and transported to the cell.
What type of magnesium should you take?
Magnesium citrate is perfect if you are having some constipation; it is inexpensive and easily absorbed.
 Magnesium taurate contains no laxative properties and is the best for people with cardiovascular issues as it helps prevent arrhythmias and supports the heart.
Magnesium malate is the best magnesium if you are suffering from exhaustion and fatigue as it helps with energy production.
Magnesium glycinate with B6 is a great support for PMS, anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
Magnesium chloride is helpful for detoxification of our cells and tissue, and aids our kidney function.
Magnesium bicarbonate is good if you're suffering from indigestion and acid reflux.
Magnesium sulfate, also called epsom salt, is a fantastic relaxation aid for sore, overworked muscles.

For more information, watch the video below: