To Your Health
August, 2024 (Vol. 18, Issue 08) |
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Get Enough Magnesium
By Editorial Staff
You probably don't think about magnesium that much, but you should, because getting enough of this important mineral is a key component of your health and wellness. Among other body functions it benefits, magnesium is involved in bone strength, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, and protein synthesis.
The problem is, not only do most people not think about magnesium that much – they also don't get enough of it in their daily diet or through supplementation. One major consequence, according to research, is an increased risk of disease including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, and diabetes. The culprit: an amino acid called homocysteine.
Researchers discovered a connection between magnesium deficiency and homocysteine levels among middle-aged adults, with lower levels of magnesium associated with higher levels of homocysteine, which can lead to toxicity issues. Too much homocysteine, particularly in combination with low magnesium, may damage DNA, according to the researchers, raising disease risk. Findings appear in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Nutrition.
As magnesium is the fourth most common mineral in the human body, essential for a variety of enzymatic and DNA functions, it's time to put this crucial mineral on your radar when it comes to ensuring adequate dietary intake. For magnesium-containing foods, look to green, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans, and whole-grain foods. Talk to your doctor for additional information.
