Magnesium is crucial for our health, but testing your magnesium levels can be confusing with several methods available. In this blog, we’ll discuss the three primary ways to test your magnesium levels: blood serum, urine, and magnesium red blood cell tests. Each method has its pros and cons, and by the end of this post, you'll have a clearer understanding of which method might be the best for you.
The blood serum test is a common method used by doctors to check magnesium levels. Magnesium is essential for vital functions like breathing and heartbeats, so it must remain at a stable level in the blood. This test measures the magnesium present in the blood, ensuring that critical functions continue uninterrupted.
However, your blood will pull magnesium from other body parts like your heart, lungs, bones, pancreas, and brain to maintain this balance. Therefore, while this test ensures you have enough magnesium to stay alive, it doesn’t provide a complete picture of your magnesium status. For those who want to thrive rather than just survive, this test might not be the best option.
The urine magnesium test, which resembles a pregnancy test in its design, offers a more convenient and affordable way to test magnesium levels at home. The test strip is placed in the urine flow, and it provides a color-coded result indicating whether your magnesium levels are low, medium, or high.
While this method is appealing due to its convenience and cost, its reliability is questionable. Inconsistent results from repeated tests at different times of the day indicate that this method may not be dependable enough for making informed health decisions.
The Magnesium Red Blood Cell (RBC) Test is my preferred method. This test measures the magnesium levels inside your red blood cells, giving a more accurate picture of your magnesium status. However, it only shows the magnesium within the cells and not in or around the bones, where a significant amount of magnesium is stored.
To take this test, you need to purchase it online and visit a lab to get your blood drawn. Before buying the test, make sure there's a lab nearby. The results are uploaded to an online portal for easy access.
Over the years, I've observed patterns in Magnesium RBC levels among my clients, and maintaining a level of 6.3 or above is ideal for a magnesium-rich state. However, some labs might measure your levels in millimoles instead of milligrams, so be sure to convert the units if necessary to achieve an accurate comparison. To Convert your mmol/L to mg/dL take the mmol/L number and multiply by 2.43.
Magnesium is not a cure-all, but it plays a vital role in many bodily functions. It activates stored vitamin D, ensuring calcium is directed to the right places, such as bones, rather than soft tissues. A magnesium-rich environment is essential for overall well-being, helping you feel good and ready to make a positive impact in your corner of the world. You can read more about magnesium health benefits here.
How has understanding your magnesium levels changed your approach to health and wellness?
Grab a notebook. What are three things that have improved since you started soaking in Magnesium Soak?
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