These days, there is a lot of evidence linking low levels of Magnesium with a range of serious diseases, including: infertility, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, autism, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. Low levels of Magnesium are found in many people who do not take supplements on a regular basis. Magnesium deficiency has been shown to contribute to fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, depression, anxiety, and nausea. In fact, the symptoms of some of these conditions can sometimes be attributed to low levels of Magnesium.
Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed supplements for these conditions only address one half of the equation. Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, and Aspartate are often given in high dosages as a way to treat depression, high blood pressure, obesity, and muscle cramps. However, if these nutrients are used in high doses, adverse effects can result. It is important to know the difference between Magnesium, Zinc, and Copper, and to choose the best dietary supplement containing them.
People who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies should be sure to include Magnesium, Zinc, and Copper in their daily diets. For those already at risk, particularly individuals with low calcium intake, adding Magnesium and Zinc intake to their diet may be necessary to maintain adequate levels. For people who currently have low levels of these three nutrients, but think they might benefit from increased Magnesium, Zinc, or Copper, then incorporating supplemental forms of these minerals could be helpful.
When considering the use of supplements to address deficiencies, one has to consider the difference in supplement form and the absorption rates into the body. Although some studies have indicated that consuming high doses of Magnesium may increase the risk of hypertension, others have found that magnesium from foods does not increase blood pressure. This study followed up on previous studies which indicated that people who choose to take supplemental Magnesium at higher than average doses are at no greater risk of heart attack or stroke than those who choose to take low dose supplements. One reason why the latter group of people might have an increased risk of these diseases is due to the fact that low doses of Magnesium can cause muscle cramps and other symptoms related to muscle fatigue when consumed at high doses.
The best option for those who are not allergic to Magnesium but who need more of these particular nutrients would be to take a multi-vitamin. These do not contain all of the nutrients that a person needs in order to maintain good health but can still supply the necessary amounts to meet certain needs. Although a healthy diet will provide most of the nutrients necessary, a vitamin and mineral supplement can help add extra help. When combined with a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the combination of a multi-vitamin and a solid daily regimen can increase a person’s longevity and overall health.
Like Magnesium, another nutrient found in a wide variety of foods, but not all foods, that provide the benefits of Magnesium would be Calcium. Like Magnesium, Calcium is essential to life, but just as importantly, not required to maintain healthy bone growth and development. If a person is prone to osteoporosis, they may benefit from increasing their calcium intake through dietary means alone, or taking a daily multi-vitamin containing Magnesium, Calcium and other important minerals. In women, however, calcium supplements may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. There are many different forms of Calcium available, including milk, cheese, soy, orange juice, cream, cereals and even vitamin D supplements.
Aside from Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc, there are several other important nutrients found in fruits and vegetables that also work as effective preventive measures against cardiac disease. Green leafy vegetables, for example, are rich sources of Vitamin E and selenium, two of the most important nutrients against cardiac problems. Other vegetables that are high in these vitamins include broccoli, carrots, spinach, cabbage, turnips, beans and cauliflower. Other good choices include rhubarb, kale, lettuce, spinach and artichoke leaf.
Although a good amount of these vitamins and minerals are already found in a wide range of everyday eating habits, many people are unaware that a large number of other vitamins and minerals exist in small, trace amounts in foods. These days, a growing number of people are choosing to purchase supplements in addition to their regular diet. By using a combination of supplements and a healthy diet consisting of a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, the benefits provided by an optimal intake of vitamins and minerals can greatly improve the quality of life. In the end, everyone wants to lead a long and healthy life. By making sure they get enough of the right kind of vitamins and minerals, they can do just that.