What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those that break down food, synthesize fatty acids and proteins, and transmit nerve impulses. Magnesium is also necessary for the proper formation of bones and teeth, and it helps regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, hormones, and blood pressure.
Why do I need Magnesium?
The key reasons why you need magnesium include:
Energy metabolism: Magnesium is involved in the break down process of food and the conversion of glucose to energy.
Nerve and muscle function: Magnesium is necessary for proper nerve impulse firing and muscle contractions and relaxation.
Heart health: Magnesium helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure and may lower the risk of heart disease.
Bone health: Magnesium is important for the proper formation of bones and teeth, and it helps keep bones strong and healthy.
Mood regulation: Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior.
Sleep: Magnesium has been shown to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality.
Blood sugar control: Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels through the conversion of glucose to energy, which is important for maintaining healthy glucose metabolism.
Detoxification: Magnesium helps support the detoxification process by neutralizing toxins in the body.
Hormone Regulation: Magnesium plays a role in regulating hormones in the body by acting as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions involved in hormone synthesis and metabolism.
What are the symptoms of low Magnesium?
The most common symptom manifestations of magnesium deficiency include:
Fatigue and muscle weakness
Muscle spasms, cramps, and twitching
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Cardiac arrhythmias and high blood pressure
Constipation
Migraines
Insomnia
How do you check a Magnesium level?
Magnesium level can be checked in a simple blood test. However, magnesium deficiency can also be determined based on your symptoms.
How is Magnesium deficiency treated?
If you suspect a magnesium deficiency, first check your diet. Foods high in magnesium include: leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, fish, avocados, bananas, figs, dried apricots, yogurt and tofu.
Magnesium can also be administered intravenously alone or in combination with other vitamins and minerals as in a Myer’s Cocktail. This is the fastest and most effective way to increase your magnesium level and stop those pesky symptoms.
There are of course over-the-counter supplements that can be easily purchased online or in your local drug store. Please check with your doctor for dosing prior to beginning any supplement regimen as incorrect dosing can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping.
Talk to your health care provider today to see if magnesium deficiency could be affecting your journey to optimal health.
