The human body contains 20-28 milligrams of magnesium. Over 50 percent of this magnesium is stored in the skeletal system. Magnesium is necessary for over 300 enzymatic reactions. A deficiency of magnesium can result in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and possibly cancer. (1)
Over 300 enzymatic reactions are dependent upon magnesium!
A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intakes of dietary magnesium were associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer. Results from the study found that for every 100 mg increase in magnesium intake, the risk of colorectal tumor decreased by 13 percent and the risk for colorectal cancer was decreased by 12 percent.(2)
Study concluded that for every 100 mg increase of magnesium the risk for colorectal tumors decreased by 13 percent!
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplement survey found that American’s are not getting recommended amounts of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can be linked to our diet but also specific lifestyle factors such as: Crohn’s disease, leaky gut or an unhealthy digestive system, unhealthy kidneys, diabetes, alcoholism, aging, or medications such as diuretics, antibiotics or cancer medication. (2)
If you are seeking ways to increase magnesium in your diet, be sure that you are eating lots of dark, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, mackerel, beans and lentils, brown rice, avocados, bananas, figs, and dark chocolate. (3)
Magnesium levels in your foods are dependent on the levels of magnesium found in the soil that they are grown in. Organic foods typically have more magnesium due to eliminating conventional fertilizer that uses nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium instead of magnesium. (2)
Lifestyle factors that can improve health and help fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease!
If you desire to fight cancer and other diseases through natural lifestyle factors, consider the following strategies.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D levels should be between 50 and 70 ng/ml.
- Omega -3 fatty acids: Supplement krill oil or eat fresh fish, flax seed, or chia seed to boost omega-3’s.
- Antioxidants: Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, beans and artichokes are all good sources of antioxidants.
- Organic vegetables: Stock up on organic vegetables and don’t forget cruciferous vegetables!
- Chemicals and toxins: Avoid unnecessary chemicals, toxins, and pollutants found in household cleaners, soaps, hygiene products, air fresheners, bug sprays, pesticides and insecticides.
- Sleep: Adequate sleep is necessary for health and wellbeing.
- Body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight can improve health and energy. (2)
If you desire to live a life free of commonly diagnoses diseases and illnesses, consider the food you eat, the supplements your take and the lifestyle that you lead. While it may be impossible to eliminate every toxin, we do have control over the products we use in our home, the supplements we take and the food we eat.
Sources included:
(1) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286839.php
(2) http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/magnesium-helps-reduce-your-risk-of-cancer/
(3) https://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-magnesium.php
