Magnesium, chances are you have never really thought about it since those science experiments in school (where you burn magnesium ribbon in a Bunsen Burner to generate a bright white light – remember?!) and its symbol in the periodic table Mg. But it is actually pretty important for our bodies to and that is why we have included it in the Home Treatment Series – because it is pretty easy to top up your magnesium content with what you keep in your kitchen cupboard.

Wholegrains can boost your magnesium levels

According to an article in the Daily Mail, a deficiency can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes in later life. Scientists studied 12,000 people for 19 years and found that those with the highest magnesium levels had a 30% lower risk of heart disease. Also, according to the European Food Safety Authority, there is a evidence to show a direct connection between magnesium and the health of your bones and muscles.

So what does Magnesium actually do in the body? It is required for the muscles to contract and relax, for nerve impulses and for energy production. A deficiency results in muscle tension and joint pain. Anxiety or fatigue may also indicate that more magnesium is needed.

Another study of 10,000 people revealed that 79% were magnesium deficient. But what does this mean for you? Well it is all about what you eat –  Green leafy vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, fish and shellfish are the richest magnesium sources. Also, coffee, tea and alcohol all hinder magnesium absorption, and our body uses up magnesium when we are stressed. So you might want to consider making a conscious effort to keep more of this fresh food in the home, and eat it more regularly.

 Ok, so that is the magnesium in your kitchen sorted out, but we are a travel insurance company, so we also need to talk about your holiday! We recommend that you get your magnesium levels balanced so that you can get the most out of your trip. It is worth taking some supplements with you to keep everything topped up.