Take magnesium to relax

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

According to the National Academy of Sciences, nearly 50% of Americans are deficient in the mineral magnesium. This is a big deal because magnesium plays a critical role in health. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, a magnesium deficiency can make you twice as likely to die as people who are not deficient.

Simply said, magnesium enables your body to work better. It activates over 350 different processes and is found in every tissue, but in higher concentrations in the bones, muscles and brain. Research shows magnesium promotes normal blood pressure and helps prevent and alleviate many health complaints such as headaches, constipation, cramps, and more. Perhaps most important these days, studies show magnesium can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and better sleep.

In supplement form, magnesium is often bound to other substances to allow the body to absorb and utilize it. Some of the best and most effective forms are glycinate, citrate, malate as well as whole-food supplements. Finally, a special form called magnesium threonate has some research related to brain function, memory and even learning. With all these choices, where do you start?

Some of my favorite products include Vital Choice Magnesium Glycinate or our Mellow Mag powder that easily mixes in warm water. It’s great anytime of day, but I like it to help me relax before bed. In addition to these, a couple other great options are MegaFood’s whole food magnesium tablets and their new Relax + Calm grape-flavored chews.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.