Magnesium: The mineral magnesium is important for every organ in the body, particularly the heart, muscles, and kidneys. It also contributes to the composition of teeth and bones. Most importantly, it activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate calcium levels as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body.

Magnesium is available in many foods. However, most people in the United States probably do not get as much magnesium as they should from their diet. Magnesium is found in whole unprocessed foods in the diet. However, different methods for calculating amounts of magnesium in foods have often lead to conflicting results. In addition, not all foods have been thoroughly analyzed.

Despite the fact that dietary levels of magnesium are often low, actual deficiency of this nutrient is rare. Certain medical conditions, however, can upset the body's magnesium balance. For example, intestinal flu with vomiting or diarrhea can cause temporary magnesium deficiencies. Certain stomach and bowel diseases (such as irritable bowel, celiac sprue), diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, kidney malfunction, and use of diuretics can lead to deficiencies. Too much coffee, soda, salt, or alcohol intake as well as heavy menstrual periods, excessive sweating, and prolonged stress can also lower magnesium levels.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include agitation and anxiety, irritability, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, confusion, muscle spasm and weakness, hyperventilation, insomnia, poor nail growth, and even seizures.

Rich sources of magnesium include tofu, legumes, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, Brazil nuts, soybean flour, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and squash seeds, pine nuts, and black walnuts. Other good dietary sources of this mineral include peanuts, whole wheat flour, oat flour, beet greens, spinach, pistachio nuts, shredded wheat, bran cereals, oatmeal, bananas, and baked potatoes (with skin), chocolate, and cocoa powder. Many herbs, spices, and seaweeds supply magnesium, such as agar seaweed, coriander, dill weed, celery seed, sage, dried mustard, basil, cocoa powder, fennel seed, savory, cumin seed, tarragon, marjoram, poppy seed.