Magnesium: Are You Getting Enough to be Healthy?

Are You at Risk of Low Magnesium Levels?

The following factors put you at greater risk of having low magnesium levels:

  • Elderly
  • Low magnesium diet
  • Eating refined salt
  • Pregnant, lactating
  • Regular and strenuous exercise
  • Alcohol
  • Intestinal conditions with malabsorption
  • Certain medications

When Should You Take a Magnesium Supplement?

Determining your magnesium levels is challenging. Medical expert  have identified a potential problem: measuring magnesium from blood tests does not accurately reflect the body’s magnesium stores. Hence, taking a holistic look at your lifestyle is important. The list of lifestyle factors above helps determine if a person is at risk of low magnesium levels. Eating more magnesium-rich foods or, in some cases, taking a supplement, may help increase magnesium levels.

What’s the Healthiest Magnesium Containing Food?

Lots of healthy plants contain magnesium. Some of the richest in magnesium include:

  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Almonds
  • Spinach
  • Cashews
  • Peanuts
  • Black beans