Take this quiz to determine if you are too!
There is a single mineral that most American’s are very deficient in, causing a long list of health issues. Mildred Seelig, an expert researcher, called this mineral, “the silent guardian of our hearts and arteries…necessary for life.” Being deficient can wreak havoc in your body, opening doors to many unwelcome symptoms and diseases, such as arthritis.
It is used in well over 300 body functions and once your body receives adequate levels of this superstar mineral, studies have shown that many symptoms disappear…
What is this health-altering mineral? Magnesium!
So, why are so many of us deficient in such a vital mineral?
- Poor crop soil – over the decades the nutrient levels in soil has significantly decreased, leaving us with less nutrients in our produce.
- A poor diet high in sugar and processed foods
- Excess consumption of alcohol
- Even some prescription medications can deplete magnesium levels
Deficiency Linked to Host of Diseases
Another expert, Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, author of The Magnesium Miracle, says it is the, “missing link to total health.”
When your body is crying out for more of this mineral, here’s what it can sound like:
- Arthritis
- High blood sugar
- Migraine headaches
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Hypertension
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Poor memory
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Muscle twitching
- And the list goes on and on…
The National Institutes of Health published a study comparing nutrient factors in men and women who had rheumatoid arthritis. It was found that their daily diets were too high in fat and too low in fiber, and both men and women were deficient in magnesium. The researchers prescribed boosting magnesium consumption via food and supplements to regain proper levels.
Are YOU Deficient?
To determine if you may be deficient, you can definitely see your health care provider to run a detailed magnesium test. Another way to obtain an idea if you need to consume more is through this short quiz.
- Do you drink carbonated beverages frequently?
- Do you consume pastries, cakes, and other types of sweets?
- Do you drink caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, daily?
- Do you drink more than 7 alcoholic beverages within a week?
- Do you take calcium supplements which do not contain magnesium?
- Do you take diuretics, heart or asthma medication, birth control pills, or estrogen replacement therapy?
- Do you typically have a large amount of stress in your life?
- Have you recently undergone major surgery?
- Do you frequently experience anxiety? Times of hyperactivity? Or have challenges falling asleep or staying asleep?
- Do you experience muscle spasms? Muscle cramping? Fibromyalgia? Eye twitches or other facial tics?
- Have you answered yes to one or more of the above questions and are over 55 years old?
If you answered no to every question above, than you could rely on a magnesium-rich diet to maintain adequate levels.
But…if you answered yes to one or more questions, than it’s probably safe to say you need to increase your intake via diet and supplementation.
World’s Best Magnesium-Rich Foods!
With so many delicious foods that are rich in this mineral, it’s easy to add more of them into your healthy lifestyle. The best sources are from the following:
- Spinach and other dark leafy greens
- Salmon, halibut
- Bananas, apples
- Dried apricots
- Avocados
- Almonds, cashews, peanuts
- Potatoes, broccoli
- Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds
- Kidney beans, black beans, lentils
- Soy flour, tofu
- Brown rice, millet, whole what bread, oatmeal
- Yogurt, milk
- Dark chocolate
This superstar mineral can do so much if your body has proper levels of it!
- Relieve sore muscles and joints
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce risks of many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers
- Activate and maintain normal nerve and muscle function
- Support a healthy immune system
- Keep your heart beat at a steady, healthy pace
- Help regulate blood sugar levels
- Aid in digesting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
- Eliminate muscle spasms and twitches
- Improve bone density
- Balance blood sugar
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve cognitive functions
- Better circulation
- Sounder sleep
- Boost moods
- Faster recovery after workouts
- Prevents and heals injuries fast
- Increased muscle strength and mass
- And much more!
For the millions enduring chronic arthritis pain, increasing magnesium intake can reduce inflammation and improve mobility and energy.
Enjoy this week’s delicious magnesium-rich breakfast and start your day off right!
Good Morning Blend
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. dried fruit
2 tbsp. flaxseed meal
1 tbsp. unsalted, raw almonds, walnuts, or pecans, chopped
1 cup no-sugar added plain yogurt
Ground cinnamon to taste
Directions:
- Stir dried fruit, flaxseed meal, and nuts into yogurt
- Top with cinnamon to preferred taste, stir, and enjoy