Minerals
Don’t forget your Minerals
Most of us know that we don’t get enough Vitamins and Minerals in our standard American diet so many of us take a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement. We often emphasize how important it is to take vitamins every day but minerals are just as crucial to our survival, well-being and maintaining optimal health as vitamins are. We often hear that minerals like calcium and magnesium are necessary for building strong bones and teeth but minerals actually do so much more. Every mineral that exists in the earth also exists in our bodies and in all living beings. Our bodies need the right amount of minerals, in the right form and proper balance to promote health. Minerals are essential in our diets and every mineral plays an important and unique role - acting at all levels of our bodies from our cells and tissues to our organs and bones. All of our body processes depend upon the action of minerals to activate the enzymes which perform bodily functions we take for granted.
Minerals are responsible for every activity in every cell of our bodies. Without minerals in their proper rations we could not set into motion the properties and functions of enzymes, vitamins or amino acids. Cellular functions require a proper chain of events that start with minerals.
Could you be deficient in magnesium?
It is important for you to understand why we stress taking a balanced and high quality multi-vitamin that also contains a variety of minerals. One mineral I want to discuss in particular today is magnesium. It is estimated that 85% of the population in the United States is deficient in magnesium. In her book titled “The Miracle of Magnesium,” Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, lists many conditions that are triggers or causes of magnesium deficiency. You may be surprised as you read through this list.
Magnesium deficiency can play a major role in anxiety and panic attacks, depression and migraines. Maintaining correct serotonin levels is dependent on magnesium. Magnesium is also a key in keeping adrenal stress hormones under control. One study in 2001showed that a group of 3,000 patients given 200 mg of magnesium daily experienced an 80% reduction in their migraine symptoms. (“What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Migraines,” Mauskop A., Fox B.)
General fatigue may be the first symptom someone has if they are deficient in magnesium. Dozens of enzyme systems that give us energy rely on having a sufficient amount of magnesium.
The list also includes asthma, hypertension, heart disease, hypoglycemia, liver disease, kidney disease, PMS, Raynaud’s Syndrome, tooth decay, nerve problems and musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, eye twitches, cramps and chronic back and neck pain. Simply increasing your magnesium may help ease symptoms of all these ailments.
What form of magnesium should I take?
There are several forms of magnesium. Magnesium oxide is one of the most commonly found in most conventional pharmacies. However, Dr. Dean said she stopped taking it when she read a study that showed only 4 percent of the oxide form of magnesium is absorbed. Magnesium oxide can be used as a great natural laxative if needed – and regular constipation is another sign of magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium citrate, magnesium taurate, magnesium glycinate and ascorbate are all more readily absorbable salts of magnesium. You can find these forms, or combinations of these form in many good quality supplements. Anyone who still has trouble absorbing the magnesium may find it helpful to take the magnesium with Choline Citrate. A magnesium chloride spray may also be helpful as it absorbs straight into your body and doesn’t typically have a laxative effect.
How much magnesium should I take?
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is between 350 and 400 mg per day. If you suffer from any of the above mentioned symptoms, however, you may need more. The best way to tell if you are getting enough magnesium is the “bowel test.” If your stools become loose you know you are getting too much magnesium. If you find that happening, yet still get muscle cramps or heart palpitations, a magnesium spray may be helpful for you.
Disclaimer: Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.