Magnesium is a critical mineral and with potassium, the most predominant mineral in your cells. Magnesium also functions very closely with calcium and phosphorus.About 60% of the magnesium in your body is in your in bones, 26% in muscle and the remainder is in your soft tissue and body fluids.
Magnesium is responsible for hundreds of biochemical reactions, among them the contraction and relaxation of muscle and blood vessels, the synthesis of protein and DNA, and the production and transport of energy from carbohydrates,fats and proteins.
It has been estimated that up to 75% of people in the western world (and parts of Asia) are magnesium deficient – one of the most common dietary deficiencies in the world, especially in the elderly.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:
- Sleep problems, fatigue
- Calcium deficiency
- Leg cramps and muscle ache
- Loss of appetite
- Severe low moods and anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pre menstrual tension
- Low blood hemoglobin
- Low blood sugar
- Poor circulation
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
- Low magnesium diet
- Processed foods
- Stress
- High caffeine drinks, including tea, coffee and soda
- Surgery, burns, liver disease, hormonal imbalance
- Illness associated with magnesium malabsorption and depletion
- The natural process of aging.
Magnesium is crucial for:
- Mineral balance – necessary for calcium absorption
- Maintaining normal muscle and nerve functions
- Regulation normal heart rhythm.
- Keeping bones strong and healthy
- Healthy immune system
- Regulating blood sugar levels
- Normal blood pressure
- Energy metabolism and protein synthesis
- Relaxing muscles
- Regulating over 300 biochemical reactions within the body
- Glucose and fat breakdown
- Production of proteins, enzymes and antioxidants such as glutathione
- Creation of DNA and RNA
- Regulating cholesterol production
- Energy production and ATP – main energy-producing powerhouse in the body.
