By: Brooks Laber D.C.
Did you know that a deficiency in this mineral makes you twice as likely to die as other people, according to a study in the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine? It is estimated that 80% of Americans are deficient in this relaxation mineral. 
Magnesium is a powerful antidote to stress, the most powerful relaxation mineral available, is critical for brain and heart function, and can even help to improve your sleep. Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff. Whether it is a body part or even your mood, magnesium can make a difference.
This mineral is responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is found throughout the body, but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain. You need it to make energy, to stabilize membranes, and to help muscles relax.
You might be magnesium deficient if you have any of the following symptom: muscles cramps, irritability, anxiety, autism, ADD, palpitations, Angina, Constipation, headaches, Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, diabetes, kidney stones, PMS, menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, and obesity.
The reason we are so deficient is simple: Many of us eat a diet that contains practically no magnesium — a highly-processed, refined diet that is based mostly on white flour, meat, and dairy (all of which have no magnesium). We also consume alcohol, salt, coffee, soda which all decrease magnesium levels.
So how to get enough magnesium into your diet, start by adding some of the following magnesium rich food: almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, rye, collard greens, shrimp, avocado, beans, dandelion greens, and garlic. Limit coffee, soda, salt, sugar, and alcohol.
And lastly, take a high quality Magnesium supplement, most people benefit from 400 to 1,000 mg a day. The most absorbable forms of magnesium are: magnesium citrate, glycinate, taurate, aspartate, and magnesium chelates also work well. Avoid magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide, they are poorly absorbable and the most common found on the market today. Side effects of magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided by using magnesium glycinate. Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is also a good was to absorb magnesium.
So if you are struggling with anxiety, restless leg, cramps, trouble sleeping, or any other symptoms listed above give a high quality magnesium supplement a try. For more health tips visit Brooks Chiropractic PLLC, Shakopee MN.