Daily Dose: Magnesium

How do I maintain my magnesium levels?

In order to maintain proper levels of magnesium, taking a supplement may not be the best idea. The body needs a steady supply of magnesium throughout the day. Most supplements will not contain more than 100 mg of magnesium because of bulk. However, because magnesium is so plentiful, a diet rich in magnesium is the best way to keep your stores up, and it’s easy to maintain.

Because the body consistently uses up its stores of magnesium, eating a magnesium-rich diet throughout the day – instead of taking it all at once – will also keep the body’s magnesium stores elevated. Research has also suggested that B vitamins (especially vitamin B6) promote the absorption of magnesium in the gut.

What foods can I eat to get my daily dose of magnesium?

Eat at least 5 servings of any of these magnesium-rich foods throughout the day:

• ½ cup of boiled spinach
• ½ cup of quinoa
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1 cup of kidney beans
• 1 cup of lentils
• 1 cup of raisin bran
• 1 cup of shredded wheat
• 1 cup of oatmeal
• 2 slices of whole wheat bread
• 2 bananas

Click through Dr. Oz’s Magnesium Grocery List for more magnesium-packed foods!