A missing Magnesium Link…
Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Type II Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Migraine Headaches, Anxiety, Nerve pain etc…
Magnesium is a vital mineral in our bodies mostly found in our bones. Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation [1-3] It is also vital in energy production.
In my opinion magnesium deficiency is much more common today because of the difference in our water / food supplies. Because of factory farming and genetic modifications, we have depleted our soil of magnesium supplies as well as many other vital minerals, and the food that we eat now has much less magnesium than even 50 years ago. Our water has been contaminated so much that we have to ultra filter it to remove the toxins but in the leaving us with clean water that can no longer supply us with the many minerals needed in our body.
Many other factors can lead to Magnesium deficiency including some medications that increase urinary output (diuretics). Long term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors such as: Nexium and Prevacid. Low absorption in the gut from poor diet (low fiber, high sugar and refined grains), lactose sensitivity or intolerance, alcohol, excessive diarrhea, Chron’s Disease, Irritable Bowl Disease, gluten sensitivity, Celiac Disease, Leaky Gut syndrome, as well as Diabetes. The senior age bracket has shown to have higher levels of deficiency.
There are many foods that have higher magnesium as well as fiber that are essential to add to your diet to help with some of the conditions listed above. Nuts are a great source but make sure they are raw or dry roasted (not in oil) especially almonds. Of course healthy foods such as fruits green leafy vegetables, carrots, and even dark chocolate have high levels of magnesium. Its always best to get the nutrient you need from your food, however, you can always add a supplement to your diet as well if you think you are deficient or if you have early signs of any of the diseases listed above. It seems that if it is in a liquid form it is easier to absorb, however do not overdue because there is also risk of too much magnesium as well.
If you are experiencing the beginning stages of: Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Type II Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Migraine Headaches, Anxiety, Nerve pain, It is up to you to take charge of your health by starting a healthy diet, exercise, weight loss, meditation (to calm the mind and stress) as well as chiropractic care (to balance the nervous system and increase all vital functions of the body).
Disclaimer: If you are taking medications already for: Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Type II Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Migraine Headaches, Anxiety, Nerve pain etc…, Talk to your doctor first before trying supplements and or medication changes and or medical advise.
- Institute of Medicine (IOM). Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1997.
- Rude RK. Magnesium. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, Cragg GM, Levine M, Moss J, White JD, eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:527-37.
- Rude RK. Magnesium. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Baltimore, Mass: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:159-75
Evans Chiropractic 