So much is made about our need for vitamins and nutrients, with Vitamins C, D, and calcium often taking center stage. But seldom does magnesium make it into the conversation, when it’s one of our most vital minerals.
The healthful benefits of magnesium are so wide ranging that its impact on our overall health cannot be ignored. Let’s shine the proverbial spotlight on this wonder mineral and find out why it should stand front and center of your child’s pediatric care plan.
So, what is exactly is magnesium?
Magnesium is the eleventh most abundant element by mass in our bodies and is found in all of our tissues, but mainly in our bones, muscles, and brain. It has an incredible superpower as a “co-enzyme” for over 300 biochemical enzyme reactions – meaning these fundamental biological processes could not occur without the help of magnesium.
Why is it so wonderful?
Magnesium’s health benefits are truly all encompassing. Here’s a quick snapshot of the myriad ways it keeps us both happy and healthy:
- Regulates calcium, potassium, and sodium levels
- Helps build strong and healthy bones (safeguarding against osteoporosis)
- Improves sleep quality
- Regulates blood sugar
- Calm nerves / reduces anxiety
- Relieves constipation / aids with overall digestion
- Relieves muscle aches and spasms
- Improves heart function
- Helps prevent headaches and migraines
- Helps produce glutathione for your liver’s detoxification processes
- And MORE
See, just by getting enough magnesium, you’re doing wonders for your body and your mind. And just imagine the amazing quality of health magnesium can help your baby build and maintain from the get-go.
What’s the best way to get magnesium?
The good old-fashioned way! By eating a balanced diet of magnesium-rich foods, such as:
- Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens)
- Nuts and Seeds (Pumpkin, Sesame, Brazil Nuts, Almonds, Cashews, Pine Nuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Walnuts)
- Fish (Mackerel, Pollock, Turbot, Tuna)
- Beans and Lentils (Soy, White, French, Kidney, Pinto, Black-eyed Peas, Chickpeas)
- Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Quinoa, Millet, Bulgur, Buckwheat, Wild Rice, Whole Wheat Pasta, Barley, Oats)
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Dried Fruit (Figs, Prunes, Apricots, Dates, Raisins)
And last but never least…
- Dark Chocolate!
With so many healthy options, it’s actually pretty easy to make magnesium a consistent source of your family’s nutrition. However, it’s important to understand that diets loaded with highly processed foods, white flour, meat, and lots of dairy are devoid of magnesium.
Organic fruits and vegetables have been shown to have higher magnesium than conventional options, and that’s why it’s important to eat organic as often as possible. Fortunately for those of us living in San Francisco, more and more farmers markets seem to be popping up all around, thus expanding our access to locally grown, organic foods.
A magnesium supplement may also be recommended, especially if your child is experiencing such issues as chronic constipation, increased irritability, anxiety, or restless sleep. We’ll be happy to design a custom supplementation plan based on your child’s specific needs.
GetzWell can’t stop talking about magnesium!
We’ve experienced firsthand the calming and healing powers magnesium can have on a child’s physical and emotional health. We would love to tell you more about our custom pediatric care. Please give us a call at our San Francisco offices at 415-826-1701.