Magnesium is a very important mineral. It affects our overall health in many ways.

  Magnesium
plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in our body. It is essential for bone formation, plays an
important role in cardiovascular health, plays a role in type 2 DM, preventing atherosclerosis,
and osteoporosis.
Magnesium is one of our 7 essential major minerals along with calcium, phosphorous,  sulfur,
sodium, potassium, and chloride. It is found in whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, leafy greens,
seeds, cocoa and molasses.  Many people in the United States are deficient in magnesium due to
our overconsumption of processed foods.  
Some of the reasons for our magnesium deficient foods include soil depletion. Intense agriculture
depletes soil of magnesium and it is not repleted so whole grains may be lower in magnesium.
Stress drains our bodies of magnesium. There seems to be an inverse relationship between
cortisol and magnesium. The lower the magnesium level the higher the cortisol level. 
Medications may contribute to magnesium deficiency including diuretics, gentamycin,
amphotericin, and cisplatin, and stimulants. Alcohol, caffeine, and soft drinks can also contribute
to magnesium deficiency.