Keeping magnesium levels high more important than ever

This cannot be said too often: If you’re magnesium intake is low, you’re in trouble.

There’s just no way you’re going to prevent or successfully manage type 2 diabetes without enough magnesium.

Dr. Spreen has told me that dozens of times. And with good reason. Magnesium helps maintain normal insulin levels.

In a study from Brazil, researchers evaluated magnesium status in type 2 diabetics. They found that poor kidney function (common in diabetes) causes magnesium to be lost in the urine. When that’s combined with low magnesium intake, blood sugar runs high.

Menstruation and high stress also reduce magnesium levels. And a heavy intake of starches, alcohol, diuretics and some prescription drugs (such as antibiotics) can increase loss of magnesium.

Dr. Spreen recommends taking 500 mg of magnesium per day, preferably in the form of magnesium gluconate and chelated magnesium supplements. And if you want to get it from food, some of the best sources are leafy green vegetables, avocados, nuts, and whole grains.

Sources:

“Study highlights vital role of magnesium in type 2 diabetes” Nathan Gray, NutraIngredients-USA, 2/4/11, nutraingredients-usa.com