The Western diet may be very low in magnesium due to the over-consumption of processed foods, meats and dairy products.  It is not widely known that magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body.  Magnesium is necessary for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, essential for bone formation, muscle relaxation, blood clotting and the production of energy.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:

• Muscle spasms and cramps
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue and lethargy

If you have any of the above symptoms it may be worth supplementing with a good brand of magnesium to help maintain normal muscle and nerve function.  Magnesium may also keep bones strong, as magnesium is necessary to maintain density.  Magnesium supplementation is also helpful for the symptomatic relief of premenstrual syndrome, as it may help reduce mild premenstrual fluid retention.

The best dietary sources of magnesium are tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, wholegrains, and green leafy vegetables.  Fish, meat, milk, and most commonly eaten fruit are low in magnesium.

People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should not take magnesium or potassium unless under the direct advice of a physician.

Magnesium supplementation can sometimes cause a looser stool, particularly if taken in the forms of magnesium sulfate  (Epsom salts), hydroxide, or chloride.