Like a Drug

My friends and family…they are probably really sick of hearing me praise the essential mineral, Magnesium.  I am continuously giving them free samples of magnesium powder packets.  One of my friends even joked that I’m getting everyone hooked like a drug dealer.  Well it’s NOT a drug and I love it so much that I’m going to tell you more about it in this blog.

 

Best Sources of Magnesium

First, things, first, below is a short list of some common foods which are rich in magnesium:

Banana

Avocado

Almonds

Cashews

Dark leafy greens

Dark chocolate – Woohoo, yay!

Black beans – Bring on the black bean dip!

 

Dosage

I personally use magnesium in supplement form regularly.  I prefer a powder form that you may purchase at your local health or vitamin store.  I take between 1 – 3 teaspoons mixed in water or juice right at bedtime.  It helps me by relaxing my thoughts and my physical body since magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer.

Magnesium also seems to be quite effective with children who have a tendency to be hyperactive.

For young kids it is recommended to take 80 mg for ages 1 – 3 years and 130 mg for ages 4 – 8.  Your local vitamin shop will most likely have children’s chewable magnesium, but your kids may also enjoy the powder form mixed with juice.

 

Health Benefits

Additional health benefits of Magnesium when used in moderation include:

Assists with assimilation of calcium

Alleviates muscle pains

Balances blood sugar

Speeds recovery time

Reduces inflammation

Assists with mental focus

Reduces hyperactivity and depressive episodes

Slows aging

Calms the nervous system

Increases cellular metabolism

Provides adrenal support

Reduces constipation

 

Side Effect

A warning though is that some forms of magnesium like citrate in larger quantities, creates a laxative effect.  While some of you might like that effect, you have to be careful not to dehydrate yourself.  Adults can usually take up to 400 mg per day or every other day (some professionals suggest that certain nutrients in supplement form stay in the body, depending on variables, for about 2 days).

 

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