7 Reasons to Get More Magnesium

The human genome project reveals that 3,751 human proteins have binding sites for magnesium.[i] And so far we know this one essential mineral activates over 350 biochemical processes in the body to keep things flowing.

Plants are green because they contain the light-harvesting molecule chlorophyll which bears a striking resemblance to human hemoglobin (with the difference that the latter contains an oxygen-binding iron atom and not magnesium). 

Magnesium deficiency is often misdiagnosed because it does not show up in blood tests - only 1% of the body's magnesium is stored in the blood. It has been estimated that about 80% of the population is deficient in this vitally important mineral. 

Here are just seven good reasons to get more magnesium-rich foods in your diet today.

1. Prevent Migraines.

According to University of Vermont Professor of Neurology and migraine expert Robert Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., every year nearly one in five Americans experience some form of migraine attack. One in 25 will have headaches lasting at least 15 days per month. These disabling attacks include severe one-sided, throbbing headaches, and sensitivity to light and sound. They may also involve nasal congestion, cloudy thinking, and nausea.

In one study of 133 migraine patients, supplementing with 500 mg of magnesium oxide for just 12 weeks significantly improved the frequency and severity of migraines.[ii]

And a double blind, placebo controlled study from Kaiser Permanente showed that supplementing with magnesium significantly cut the number of days children suffered with a migraine.[iii]

2. Lower Heart Disease Mortality. 

A study in the journal Atherosclerosis found that people with low magnesium levels were more than twice as likely to die of heart disease. They were also more than seven times as likely to die from all causes.[iv]

3. Manage Diabetes.

Magnesium deficiency is common among type 2 diabetics, especially those with neuropathy or coronary disease.[v] A Harvard study found that diabetics taking 320 mg of magnesium for up to 16 weeks significantly improved their fasting blood sugar levels as well as their HDL (good) cholesterol.[vi]

4. Relieve Symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

A double blind, placebo controlled study from the University of Texas showed that magnesium malate improves pain and tenderness in fibromyalgia patients.[vii]

5. Lower Risk of Colon Cancer.

Epidemiologic studies link low magnesium levels with higher rates of colorectal cancer. And a meta-analysis from China confirms that higher magnesium intakes are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer and especially colon cancer.

The Chinese researchers analyzed eight prospective studies covering 338,979 participants. Their results, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found the highest average intake of magnesium was associated with an 11% reduction in colorectal cancer risk compared to the lowest average intake.

In addition, for every 50 mg per day increase in magnesium, colon cancer was reduced by 7%.

An earlier meta-analysis by Imperial College London and Wageningen University found that for every 100 mg increase in magnesium, colorectal cancer decreased by 13%.

6. Build Strong Bones.

Studies find a significant association between bone density and magnesium levels.[viii] But magnesium content of bones decreases with age.[ix] In addition, sugar and alcohol cause magnesium to be lost through the urine.

Magnesium assists calcium in building bone strength,[x] but it does much more. It stimulates the hormone calcitonin. That helps draw calcium out of the blood and soft tissues and put it back into the bones. Too much calcium in the blood and tissues can increase the risk of arthritis, heart attack, and kidney stones, as well as osteoporosis.[xi]

And getting more magnesium may mean you need less than the government's recommended 1,200 mg of calcium per day. One study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increasing magnesium while lowering calcium to 500 mg per day was enough to increase bone density.[xii]

7. Reduce Signs of Metabolic Syndrome

Mexican researchers looked at the effects of taking oral magnesium supplements on people they categorized as "metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals."

MONW individuals have a body mass index under 25 which is considered normal weight. But they also have hyperinsulinemia and or insulin resistance. And they have high triglycerides and high blood pressure. As a result, these individuals are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The researchers studied 47 MONW individuals who had low magnesium levels. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial one group received a daily solution of 30 ml of magnesium (equivalent to 382 mg). The control group received 30 ml of a placebo solution.

Their results were published in the Archives of Medical Research. After only 4 months, markers of metabolic syndrome were significantly lower in the magnesium group. They lowered their systolic pressure by 2.1 points and their diastolic pressure by 3.8 points. Their fasting blood glucose levels dropped 12.3 points and their triglycerides plunged 47.4%.

Magnesium is also known to:

• steady heart rhythm
• promote normal blood pressure
• reduce stroke risk
• help maintain normal muscle and nerve function
• prevent gallstone disease
• support a healthy immune system
• improve symptoms of autism
• regulate blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk
• keep your memory strong
• improves hearing
• reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
• improves asthma symptoms

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include constipation and other digestive problems, low energy, and irregularities in menstrual flow and reproductive health, and migraine headaches.

Magnesium also relaxes the body from tightness, tension, tics, spasms, cramps and stiffness. And it helps prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth, in your heart and arteries, and even in your brain.

The recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 420 mg for men or 320 mg for women. But it's estimated that between 80% and 90% of Americans are magnesium deficient. One government study showed that 68% of American women do not consume the recommended daily amount of magnesium. Almost 20% don't even get half of the recommended amount.[xiii]

In addition, the use of oral contraceptives, diuretics, and laxa­tives can make magnesium deficiencies worse.

Magnesium deficiency is relatively easy to remedy with food. One of the richest sources of magnesium is high quality chocolate. Dark chocolate has a whopping 176 mg of magnesium in a 3.5 ounce bar. In fact, if you crave chocolate your body may be telling you it's low in magnesium.

Other high magnesium foods include:

• Dried seaweeds
• Dark leafy greens (especially collards, spinach and Swiss chard)
• Broccoli
• Beans
• Whole grains (especially millet, brown rice and quinoa)
• Almonds, cashews, and filberts
• Sesame seeds
• Lentils
• Avocados
• Wheatgrass
• Spirulina ​and chlorella​​

Magnesium supplements are also widely available. They come in many forms including oxide, citrate, carbonate, aspartate, and lactate. Magnesium oxide is the least expensive but also the most difficult for the body to absorb. Magnesium citrate helps with constipation. Magnesium glycinate is a better choice if you don't want the laxative effect.

Some people have difficulty absorbing magnesium in an oral supplement form. If you eat a high fiber diet, for example, your body doesn't absorb as much magnesium. Also, taking diuretics, antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux all interfere with magnesium absorption.

For better absorption, try magnesium chloride, or a form known as iMCH, which can be applied topically. It has been called the most effective form of magnesium for cellular detoxification and tissue purification. It comes in the form of oil. You can spray this directly on your skin or even soak your feet in it. The liquid magnesium bypasses the intestines and is absorbed directly into the tissues of the body.

Visit GreenMedInfo's page on magnesium documenting well over 100 health benefits of magnesium. Also, check out their cutting edge report on how chlorophyll (what makes veggies green!) can help your body to capture the energy of sunlight, with positive consequences to your health and well being.

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