365 Ways #333–Rubber duckies and magnesium

#333--Helping to regulate over 300 different enzymes in the body, magnesium is often deficient in the Standard American Diet (SAD). That's stating the obvious, I guess. Foods rich in magnesium (almonds, artichoke, spinach, etc) just aren't found on the menu at McDonald's. But even in those who favor real over fast food may not be meeting the recommended daily allowance of this critical nutrient since only half of the magnesium in foods is assimilated by the body. This deficiency, according to the National Academy of Sciences, is one of the primary factors behind the increased incidence of heart disease, arthritis, and many illnesses directly linked to stress. But a "supplemental" source of magnesium may be as close as your bathroom. While not readily absorbed in the human digestive tract, studies have shown increased levels of magnesium simply by soaking in an Epsom Salt bath. Two cups of Epsom Salt in a 10-15min soak performed a couple of times a week should be enough to maintain optimum magnesium status.