This is called magnesium insufficiency, saysBrigitte Zeitlin, RD, owner ofBZ Nutrition.
Some research, in fact, suggests thatup to 75 percent of Americansare magnesium insufficient.
Its good that magnesium is everywhere because its hugely important to our health.
Your body relies on magnesium for blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and converting food into energy.
In short: Every cell in your body actually needs magnesium to function, says Zeitlin.
You could even takemagnesium for period cramps.
registered dietitian and owner of BZ Nutrition
Its also included in manyantacidsand is a main ingredient inlaxatives.
(So if youve ever wondered, does magnesium make you poop?, it can.)
But as mentioned, most people arent reaching these goals for a number of reasons.
Researchers have estimated that the magnesium content in various foodshas dropped between 25 to 80 percentcompared to levels pre-1950.
That may be partly because weve gotten better at measuring the magnesium levels in our food.
But there are also systemic factors at play.
Unfortunately, our eating patterns tend to rely heavily on exactly these kinds of foods.
Additionally, Zeitlin notes that coffee, soda, and alcohol intake can deplete magnesium in your body.
For example, diuretic medications may increase the risk of magnesium insufficiency as people lose it in urine.
registered dietitian and owner of BZ Nutrition
Proton-pump inhibitors are another culprit, adds Zeitlin.
Can you get enough magnesium from foods, or should you supplement?
To ensure youre on track, incorporate magnesium-rich foods into each meal and snack, suggests Cording.
If you have a mild insufficiency, she adds, you might likely remedy it with diet alone.
But a supplement could not hurt!
Someresearcheven suggests that people who take supplements are more likely to meet or exceed their daily magnesium requirements.
Just know that as with any supplement, it is possible to get too much of a good thing.
Too-high doses of magnesium cancause cramping and diarrhea.
Some research suggests these forms are absorbed and used by the body better than magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate.
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