Listen to the full episode here:: http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/mag Magnesium deficiency is running rampant. Many experts estimate that 80% of Americans are magnesium deficient. And, a major contributing factor is the presence of excess calcium in the body mainly coming from the extreme ratio difference in common foods such as: fortified orange juice (27:1), cheese (26:1), yogurt (11:1), dairy (7:1) and the very commonly used antacids (300:1). Other common contributing factors include: -Fluoride -Processed foods -Alcohol -Coffee -Sugar -Stress -Medications When should you take magnesium? How do you test your magnesium levels or know if you have a deficiency? It’s critical to get high enough doses of magnesium to compensate for the fact that our typical diet runs low on this vital mineral. But fact is, although magnesium is an incredibly important mineral, there are many unanswered questions and confusion around magnesium, so I though it was high time to have my friend and nutrition researcher Thomas DeLauer back on the show. I first interviewed Thomas DeLauer in the episode The Ultimate Guide To Quelling Inflammation: Why Your Curcumin May Not Work, Surprising Effects Of Ginger Oil, Vegan Fish Oil Options & Much More! I then interviewed him again in the episode Does Alcohol Really Make You Fat, Which Alcohol Is Healthiest, Hidden Ingredients In Alcohol & Much More: The Ultimate Alcohol Damage Mitigation Guide. Thomas is one of the leading experts in the world of chronic inflammation as well as the response of the human body to a low-carb diet. He is noted for his personal transformation from a 280-pound overweight corporate executive to not only being on the cover of health and fitness magazines worldwide but pioneering some of the mainstream awareness of auto-immune diseases and inflammation in general! Thomas has been highlighted in over 20 magazines showcasing his transformation and has been featured worldwide on the cover of Ironman Magazine, Muscle and Performance Magazine, Natural Muscle Magazine, ICON Magazine, Platform Magazine and Ironman Japan. His background is in Sports Psychology, although it is this passion for psychology coupled with a career in healthcare as a physician recruiter and owner of an ancillary lab services company that sparked his love for nutritional science and what makes the body tick. He is currently working on a project in the 2nd phase of trials with Doctors at UCLA to identify a strain of bacteria that may help modulate inflammation within the body. Residing near Santa Barbara, California, with his wife, three dogs, two horses, and 11 month old son. Thomas promotes a lifestyle of living as close to the earth as possible to obtain the best possible results while still achieving maximum performance in every possible area of life. What form of magnesium is best, and are different forms better for different needs, like sleep vs. brain vs. digestion? In this episode, Thomas and I also discuss MagSRT®, a product Thomas is helping to develop, is the only time-release, high-potency magnesium supplement with peer-reviewed clinical trials to back up it's efficacy. MagSRT®  was evaluated in the Scottsdale Magnesium Study (SMS), a placebo-controlled, human clinical trial of 91 participants. The study measured Serum Magnesium, Red Blood Cell (RBC) Magnesium, and Magnesium Deficiency symptoms. The results are published in the peer-reviewed Journal of American College of Nutrition (JACN). It is a Sustained Release Technology (SRT) magnesium in a super-absorbable, premium organic form called dimagnesium malate, along with an active form of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) and Vitamin B6 (P5P) During our discussion, you'll discover: -Is there a way to supplement your magnesium levels without unpleasant side effects such as loose stool and "constarrhea"?...11:20 Magnesium is "hydrophilic" meaning it attracts water.  It creates "passive diffusion" where it attracts water into the intestine. There's nothing to regulate how fast the water enters the small or large intestine. The type of magnesium (ex. epsom salt vs. magnesium citrate) one takes makes a big difference in how fast it will attract water. -A few of the more popular forms of magnesium, and which one is optimal for the varying functions we might like to use it...13:40 Magnesium citrate: high bio availability; creates a laxative effect. Magnesium chloride: Typically contains only 10-15% magnesium. It's used to chelate other minerals such as iron and other heavy metals. These two factors are why magnesium chloride is recommended for detoxes. Topical magnesium (epsom salt, etc.): Gets absorbed into the serum, but not red blood cells. Doesn't have the same laxative qualities. Only 1% of magnesium is ever measured, and that's in the serum and blood levels. Elevated magnesium levels in the serum means it's likely pulling it from blood and plasma, thus decreasing levels there. A high reading in magnesium can actually mean you're low in magn