“Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain
normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune
system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes
normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein
synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing
disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.” (The Magnesium
Miracle - Carolyn Dean, MD)
Simply put, magnesium is a vital mineral that is involved in an abundance of bodily functions,
and therefore it’s deficiency is associated with several health conditions, such as migraines,insomnia, muscle spasms/cramps/weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, to name a few.
Modern research indicates that a large majority of the population is magnesium deficient. As an
active woman pursuing good health, I don’t want to be one of those deficient souls. Every organ
in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs magnesium, and it’s “required for
proper functioning of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems” (Andrew Weil, MD).
Along with calcium, it also contributes to good teeth and bones! What’s not to love?
For me, magnesium was recommended as a treatment for occasional migraines by my doctor,
as well as for helping me maintain proper Vitamin D levels. A few years ago, I suffered from low
Vitamin D levels, which curiously may also have been a symptom of magnesium deficiency, as
magnesium is required to convert Vitamin D into its active form in the body. Less than 1% of
magnesium is found in blood serum, so standard blood tests may not be truly accurate
measurements. (US Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health,
Magnesium fact sheet for professionals)
I am an advocate of food first, so I suggest trying to incorporate more magnesium in your diet by
eating a whole foods diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. My
favorites are spinach, almonds and avocado! After that first step, you can supplement with
doctor approval. Supplements come in many forms: pills, powders, and transdermal sprays.
You can even use an Epsom salt bath to absorb it through the skin. I personally like Magnesium
citrate in powder form as it dissolves in water/tea and is absorbed easily in the gut. I take it at
night, and it’s natural muscle relaxant properties assist in a good night’s sleep.
Now…don’t take my word for it. Do some reading and research on your own. Individuals with
kidney problems or heart disease can have an adverse affect to magnesium supplementation,
and some interactions can also occur with other medications, so talk to your doctor first and
listen to your body. You may consider experimenting with magnesium to see if it helps you. I
have found magnesium to be very beneficial in my own health!
Ingrid Duncan
Health Enthusiast & Jazzercise Instructor
