This widespread magnesium deficiency may be a result of increased consumption of processed foods, meats, and dairy products and a decreased consumption of green vegetables. During times of magnesium deficiency, your intestines try to increase absorption rates while your kidneys try to reduce secretion. As a last resort, the body may pull magnesium from the bones to compensate for a lack of magnesium in the blood - which is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Eating a healthy diet -- especially one rich in dark, leafy greens, beans, lentils, and a number of other fresh fruits and vegetables is the best way to make sure you have healthy levels of magnesium in the body. Be sure you aren’t counteracting your magnesium intake with lifestyle choices or health problems that prevent you from absorbing the magnesium you take in.
It should be noted that cooking -- especially by boiling -- green vegetables results in a significant loss of magnesium ions from the vegetables into the water. It is for that reason that raw spinach salads are recommended as excellent sources of magnesium.
What Does Magnesium Do?
Magnesium is essential for maintaining proper muscle and nerve function and plays a role in keeping the heart beating at a normal heart rate. It also supports a healthy immune system and plays a role in keeping bones strong.
According to OrganicFacts.com, magnesium helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure and aids in protein synthesis and energy metabolism. It may help with certain medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.