Are you low in Magnesium?

Magnesium is a vital mineral that is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is known to be beneficial in hundreds of processes in the body affecting muscle health, heart disease, brain health, hormone production and hypertension.

It also helps stabilize your blood sugar, assists with headaches and is very important in ensuring quality sleep and reducing daily stress. Magnesium is found in all bodily tissues, but mainly in the bones, muscles and brain. It’s considered the No 1 anti-stress and relaxation mineral. On top of this, the levels of magnesium in our food have declined drastically in the last few decades due to mineral depleted soil.

Individuals often think they’re deficient in calcium, when in reality it’s magnesium they’re deficient in. Magnesium is a synergist for calcium and vitamin D absorption. No matter how much vitamin D you take, your body cannot properly use it if you’re deficient in magnesium. Without adequate magnesium extra calcium collects in the soft tissues instead of bone, causing calcium deposits and arthritis. Two separate studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, show magnesium deficiency to be associated with abnormal bone calcification. These same statistics are occurring here in Australia.

Common Symptoms and Conditions related to Magnesium deficiencies

Routine blood testing is not an accurate or effective marker to detect magnesium levels since less than two percent of magnesium is in the blood. Up to 99 % of our bodily magnesium, is in the cells, the fluid around the cells, and in muscle and bone.

For those sports buffs out there try soaking in a tub with 4-6 cups of Epsom salts. The magnesium is absorbed through the skin and it’s great for tired and achy muscles and helps relaxation before bedtime.

There are many kinds of magnesium supplements for different conditions.   At the clinic we can guide you towards the type of magnesium supplement that is right for you!