HomeFeaturesHealth › Are You Deficient in This Important Mineral?
 
 
 

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It’s important for heart and brain health, hormone production, hypertension, stabilizing blood sugar, digestion of protein, carbs and fats, and many other functions. Magnesium is found in all bodily tissues, but mainly in the bones, muscles and brain. It’s considered the anti-stress and relaxation mineral. 

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Magnesium takes part in the transmission of hormones such as insulin, thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA, and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, catecholamines, GABA, and minerals and electrolytes. 

An estimated 80 percent of the population is deficient in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is an epidemic in men, women and children and especially in the elderly. Diabetics and those who use alcohol, caffeine, blood pressure drugs, diuretics, antibiotics, oral contraceptives and sleep meds are highly susceptible to magnesium deficiency. 

Magnesium depletion is very common due to diets high in carbohydrates, sugar, soda and processed, packaged foods. Individuals who sweat excessively, drink fluoridated water, use fluoridated toothpaste, take medications, experience high stress lifestyles and have depleted adrenals suffer from magnesium insufficiency. On top of that, food levels of magnesium have declined drastically in recent years due to mineral depleted soils, GMOs and consuming conventionally-grown foods. 

Many individuals often think they’re deficient in calcium, when in reality they’re actually magnesium deficient. Magnesium is a synergist for calcium and vitamin D absorption. No matter how much vitamin D one takes it cannot be used properly if one if deficient in magnesium. Without adequate magnesium, excess calcium collects in the soft tissues instead of bone causing calcium deposits, and increased risk of osteoporosis, kidney stone and arthritis. Magnesium is critical for heart health. Excessive amounts of calcium without the counterbalance of magnesium can lead to a heart attack and sudden death.

Magnesium deficiency is responsible for many chronic health problems and diseases including osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome, a combination of different metabolic disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In two separate studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, magnesium deficiency was found to be associated with abnormal bone calcification. Both studies conveyed that the higher the intake of magnesium, the greater the level of bone mineral density.

Insufficient levels of magnesium increase inflammation and exacerbate age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to a heavy metal deposition in the brain that may be responsible for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and MS.