| Magnesium
Description
Magnesium is an essential mineral that accounts for about
0.05 percent of the body’s total weight. Nearly 70
percent of the body’s supply is located in the bones
together with calcium and phosphorus, while 30 percent if
found in the soft tissues and body fluids.
Magnesium is involved in many essential metabolic processes.
Most magnesium is found inside the cell, where it activates
enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and
amino acids. By countering the simulative effect of calcium,
magnesium plays an important role in neuromuscular contractions.
It also helps regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the
body.
Magnesium aids during bone growth and is necessary for proper
functioning of the nerves and muscles, including those of
the heart. Evidence suggests that magnesium is associated
with the regulation of body temperature. Sufficient amounts
of magnesium are needed in the conversion of blood sugar
into energy.
Magnesium appears to be widely distributed in foods, being
found chiefly in fresh green vegetables, where it is an
essential element of chlorophyll. Other excellent sources
include raw, unmilled wheat germ, soybeans, milk, whole
grains, seafood’s, figs, corn, apples, and oil-rich
seeds and nuts, especially almonds.
Absorption and Storage
Nearly 50 percent of the average daily intake of magnesium
is absorbed in the small intestine. The rate of absorption
is influenced by the parathyroid hormones, the rate of water
absorption, and the amount of calcium phosphate, and lactose
(milk sugar) in the body. Vitamin D is necessary for the
proper utilization of magnesium. When the intake of magnesium
is low, the rate of absorption may be as high as 75 percent:
when the intake is high, the rate of absorption may be as
low as 25 percent.
The adrenal gland secretes a hormone called aldosterone,
which helps to regulate the rate of magnesium excretion
through the kidneys. Losses tend to increase with the use
of diuretics and with the consumption of alcohol. The National
Research Council recommends a daily magnesium intake of
350 milligrams for the adult male and 280 milligrams for
the adult female. The amount increases to 450 milligrams
during pregnancy and lactation. It is estimated that the
typical American diet provides 120 milligrams per 1000 kilocalories,
a level that will barely provide the recommended daily intake.
Deficiency Effects and Symptoms
Magnesium deficiency can easily occur. The mineral is refined
out of many foods during processing. The cooking of food
removes magnesium. Oxalic acid, found in foods like spinach,
and phytic acid, found in cereals, form salts binding magnesium
in the body.
Magnesium deficiency can occur in patients with diabetes,
pancreatitis, chronic alcoholism, kwashiorkor, cirrhosis
of the liver, arteriosclerosis, kidney malfunction, a high
carbohydrate diet, or severe malabsorption as caused by
chronic diarrhea or vomiting. Some hormones when used as
drugs can upset metabolism and cause local deficiencies.
Magnesium deficiency is thought to be closely related to
coronary heart disease. An inadequate supply of this mineral
may result in the formation of clots in the heart and brain
and may contribute to calcium deposits in the kidneys, blood
vessels, and heart.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include apprehensiveness,
muscle twitch and cramps, tremors, confusion, irregular
heart rhythm, depression, irritability, insomnia, lack of
concentration and disorientation.
Studies have shown that painful uterine contractions experienced
by women toward the end of pregnancy could result from a
deficiency of magnesium.
Beneficial Effect on Ailments
Magnesium is vital in helping prevent heart attacks and
severe coronary thrombosis. Magnesium seems to be important
in controlling the manner in which electrical charges are
utilized by the body to induce the passage of nutrients
in and out of cells. It has been successfully used to treat
prostrate troubles, polio and depression. It has also proved
beneficial in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders,
nervousness, insomnia, tantrums, and sensitivity to noise,
and hand tremor.
In alcoholics, the magnesium levels in the blood and muscles
are low. Magnesium treatment helps the body retain magnesium
and often helps the body retain magnesium and often helps
control delirium tremens.
Magnesium helps to protect the accumulation of calcium deposits
in the urinary tract. It makes the calcium and phosphorus
soluble in the urine and prevents them from turning into
hard stones. Adequate amounts of magnesium can help reduce
blood cholesterol and help keep the arteries healthy.
Magnesium, not calcium, helps form the kind of hard tooth
enamel that resists decay. No matter how much calcium is
ingested, only a soft enamel will be formed unless magnesium
is present.
Magnesium therapy has been effective in treating diarrhea,
vomiting, nervousness, and kwashiorkor. Since magnesium
works to preserve the health of the nervous system, it has
been successfully used in controlling convulsions in pregnant
women and elliptic patients. Because magnesium is very alkaline,
it acts as an antacid and can be used in place of over the
counter antacid compounds.
MAGNESIUM MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING AILMENTS:
| |
|
| Body Member: |
Ailment |
| Blood/Circulatory
system: |
Arteriosclerosis
Atheroclerosis
Cholesterol level, high
Diabetes
Hypertension |
| Bones:
|
Fracture
Osteoporosis
Rickets |
| Bowel: |
Colitis
Diarrhea |
| Brain/Nervous
system: |
Alcoholism
Epilepsy
Mental illness
Nervousness
Parkinson’s disease |
| Heart: |
Arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension |
| Intestine: |
Celiac disease |
| Joint: |
Arthritis |
| Kidney: |
Kidney stones (renal calculi) |
| Leg
: |
Leg cramp |
| Muscles: |
Muscular excitability
Muscle cramps |
| Skin: |
Psoriasis |
| Stomach
: |
Vomiting |
| General: |
Alcoholism
Backache
Kwashiorkor
Overweight and obesity |
|
