Magnesium

This is an important mineral that is essential for bone health, proper metabolism, heart, and muscle function in the body.

Magnesium interacts with calcium, so that taking too much magnesium can result in a functional calcium deficiency, and taking too much calcium can result in a functional magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium deficiency in common in the United States, due to agricultural and food processing practices. For example, soils that are too acidic are often treated with lime (which is a form of calcium that neutralizes acid), which leads to an imbalance in calcium and magnesium in the soil. Also, processing of foods often removes the magnesium. For example, most of the magnesium in rice is found in the bran - which is commonly removed in order to make "white" rice.

In order to optimize your magnesium (and calcium) balance in the body, consult with a health care provider, such as Dr. Weyrich, who is trained in biochemistry and nutrition.