What if I told you there was a mineral that plays a role in over 300 chemical reactions in our bodies AND, most Americans are deficient in it? I’m sure you would think this was ludicrous, but the fact is that it is true.
Magnesium is a vital mineral needed for the transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth. So why are most Americans deficient in it and why the heck aren’t we all supplementing with it?
Natural sources of magnesium in our diets include nuts (especially almonds), whole grains, wheat germ, fish, and green leafy vegetables. Unfortunately, because of poor farming practices and soil degradation, these foods have less than optimal amounts of nutrients and minerals. Not to mention, most of us don’t eat enough of these foods in their natural, unaltered state.
To exacerbate the issue of already low magnesium in our diets, there are other factors at play that make matters worse. Chronic and acute illnesses, caffeine, calcium supplementation, alcohol consumption, and soft water are just a few of the more common things that deplete our bodies of magnesium.
Although the list is practically endless, below are some reasons why you or someone you know might consider supplementing with magnesium. Remember, always always always get your levels checked before you start supplementing and talk to your functional medicine practitioner to make sure whatever you’re taking is safe for you.
- Magnesium plays a role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Dietary surveys have shown that increased magnesium intake may play a role in the prevention of coronary heart diseases as well as the prevention of strokes. We also know that magnesium deficiencies increase the risk for cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). Everyone should consider supplementing with magnesium for this reason alone since cardiac arrest is the number one leading cause of death in America. - Magnesium may reverse osteoporosis.
One of the 300+ chemical reactions that magnesium plays a role in is the absorption of calcium in the bones. Magnesium and calcium work synergistically in the body to help build stronger bones. Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of the hormones that regulate the absorption of calcium by our bones so when we are deficient in magnesium, our bones have a tendency to become frail (osteoporosis). Magnesium supplementation in congruence with calcium may help reverse the symptoms of osteoporosis for those individuals who have already been diagnosed. - Magnesium helps treat diabetes.
Studies show that individuals with a magnesium deficiency have a risk of developing type-2 diabetes and severe diabetic retinopathy. Magnesium aids in carbohydrate metabolism and influences the release and activity of insulin, thereby controlling blood glucose levels. It has been proven that for every 100 milligrams of increase in magnesium daily intake, there was a 15 percent decrease in the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. - Magnesium plays a role in lowering blood pressure.
Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation may help normalize blood pressure. Potassium also plays a role in this and works together with magnesium to normalize blood pressure to optimal levels. - Magnesium has shown to be beneficial in the treatment/management of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and migraines.
If magnesium wasn’t incredible enough, it has also been shown to play a role in the management of psychiatric complications such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Magnesium plays a critical role in the production of neurotransmitters, hormones, and receptor sites in our brains. If you are someone who is prone to these issues or has a family history of acute and or chronic depression/anxiety, magnesium deficiency may be an antagonist to consider.Now that you know some of the incredible benefits magnesium supplementation has, you’re going to go out and buy it right away aren’t you!?Not so fast…There are many types and forms of magnesium and all of them do different things. Supplement quality is also a big issue with magnesium supplements since magnesium is fairly simple to produce in the lab. It is critical to take a high quality, reputable brand to ensure you are getting the benefits listed above.
New Wellness offers magnesium supplements. Be sure to ask about them the next time you come in. You can also order them (along with all of our supplements) over the phone and we will deliver them to your house (San Antonio area only).
