Magnesium is a vital catalyst in enzyme activity, especially the activity of those enzymes involved in energy production. It assists in calcium and potassium uptake.
Magnesium deficiency interferes withthe transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, causing irritability and nervousness.
Supplementing the diet with this mineral can help prevent depression, dizziness, muscle weakness and twitching, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and also aids in maintaining the body's proper pH balance.
Benefits of magnesium are: to prevent the clarification of soft tissue. This essential mineral protects the arterial linings from stress caused by sudden blood pressure changes, and plays a role in the formation of bone and in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism.
With Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) this mineral helps to reduce and dissolve calcium phosphate kidney stones. Recent research has shown that this mineral my help prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and certain form of cancer, and it may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Magnesium is effective in preventing premature labor and convulsions in pregnant women.
Understanding Magnesium Deficiency
Possible manifestations of magnesium deficiency include:
confusion
insomnia
irritability
poor digestion
rapid heartbeat
seizures
tantrums
synonymous with diabetes
cardiovascular problems
major cause of fatal cardiac arrhythmia
hypertension
sudden cardiac arrest
asthma
chronic fatigue
chronic pain syndromes
depression
insomnia
irritable bowel syndrome
pulmonary disorders
The test for magnesium deficiency: a procedure called an intracellular (mononuclear cell) magnesium screen should be performed. This is a more sensitive test than the typical test, as a low level magnesium makes nearly every disease worse.
It is particularly important for individuals who have, or who are considered at risk for developing, cardiovascular disease.
Natural Food Sources with Magnesium and Herbal Containing Magnesium
Magnesium is found in most foods:
dairy products
fish
meat
seafood
apples
apricots
avocados
bananas
blackstrap molasses
brewer's yeast
brown rice
cantaloupe
dulse
figs
garlic
grapefruit
green leafy vegetbles
kelp
lemons
lima beans
millet
nuts
peaches
black-eyed peas
salmon
sesame seeds
soybeans
tofu
torula yeast
watercress
wheat
whole grain
Herbs that contain magnesium include
alfalfa
bladderwrack
catnip
cayenne
chamomile
chickweed
dandelion
eyebright
fennel seed
fenugreek
hops
horsetail
lemongrass
licorice
mullein
nettle
oat straw
paprika
peppermint
raspberry leaf
red clover
sage
shepherd's purse
yarrow
yellow dock
Comments
The consumption of alcohol, the use of diuretics, diarrhea, the presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and Vitamin D all increase the body's need for magnesium.
The consumption of large amounts of fats, cod liver oil, calcium, vitamin D, and protein decrease magnesium absorption. Fat-soluble vitamins also hinder all the absorption of magnesium, as do foods high in oxalic acid, such as almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach and tea.