An Overlooked Mineral
In today’s fast-paced world, where health-conscious choices dominate our daily lives, the insidious threat of magnesium deficiency often goes unnoticed, silently undermining our well-being.
Magnesium, a humble mineral found in abundance in nature, plays a pivotal role in countless biochemical processes within the human body. It is the unsung hero behind the scenes, facilitating muscle contractions, nerve function, and the maintenance of a healthy heart rhythm.
Beyond these vital functions, magnesium is intricately linked to a range of health aspects, from bone density and blood sugar regulation to the prevention of chronic diseases.
As we look deeper into the topic of magnesium’s influence on our health, we uncover the alarming consequences of its scarcity in our diets. From the impact on our cardiovascular system to the cognitive decline that may accompany its deficiency, the perils of magnesium inadequacy are many. This article serves as an exploration of these dangers, offering insight into the symptoms and causes of magnesium deficiency, ultimately shedding light on a topic too often overshadowed by dietary fads and fleeting health trends.
Magnesium Deficiency – How It Affects Our Health
Here are the conditions that may develop as a result of long-term magnesium deficiency:
- Anxiety and panic attacks – Magnesium helps to keep hormones in balance, and adrenal stress under control.
- Depression – “Magnesium ions regulate calcium ion flow in neuronal calcium channels, helping to regulate neuronal nitric oxide production. In magnesium deficiency, neuronal requirements for magnesium may not be met, causing neuronal damage which could manifest as depression. Magnesium treatment is hypothesized to be effective in treating major depression resulting from intraneuronal magnesium deficits.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16542786/
- Impaired detoxification – Removal of toxic elements such as lead and aluminium from the body requires the presence of sufficient levels of magnesium.
- Type 2 diabetes – Magnesium is needed for insulin secretion, to help metabolise sugar. Without magnesium insulin cannot transfer glucose into cells, which leads to the build-up of both glucose and insulin in the blood, leading to tissue damage.
- Metabolic syndrome – This condition is partly due to insufficient magnesium levels in the body, which leads to a disruption in insulin production and glucose delivery to body cells which slows down metabolism. It is closely linked to Type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity – This is also partly a result of magnesium deficiency, due to malnutrition and slow metabolism. To add to this, there is a permanent cycle of anxiety-triggered overeating, which is both caused by and leads to magnesium deficiency.
- Constipation – Magnesium deficiency causes a slowing down of bowel movement and constipation, which leads to an increase in toxicity and nutrient deficiency.
- Muscle cramps – Magnesium is the ultimate natural relaxant. Without sufficient magnesium in the blood, calcium takes over leading to calcification of tissues and cramps.
- Musculoskeletal problems – Aches, pains and muscle tension are all made worse when there is not enough magnesium present in the body. This happens due to insufficient relaxation of the muscles due to a magnesium-calcium imbalance, which can lead to chronic tension, joint problems, inflammation and other musculoskeletal conditions, such as back problems, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, RSA, and more.
- Bone health – Blood contains both calcium and magnesium, and a healthy ratio (approximately 1:1) is important to ensure bone health. Contrary to popular belief, just taking calcium and vitamin D, without supplementing magnesium, may actually worsen the condition, and lead to other problems.
- Tooth decay – Insufficient magnesium causes an imbalance of phosphorus and calcium in the saliva which leads to tooth decay.
- Blood clots – Magnesium plays an important role in keeping the blood thin. Magnesium deficiency leads to the thickening of the blood, and the formation of blood clots, which is a potentially fatal condition.
- Arterial plaque/ atherosclerosis – Magnesium is necessary to keep the optimal calcium-magnesium ratio in the blood. When there is not enough magnesium, this ratio gets disrupted leading to the formation of arterial plaque which consists of excessive blood calcium, proteins and fat.
- PMS/ PMT – Premenstrual syndrome/ tension is often directly linked to magnesium deficiency.
- Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and premature contractions – all of these dangerous conditions are directly caused by a magnesium-calcium imbalance (too much calcium, very low magnesium).
- Magnesium is an “energy” mineral – It is the spark needed to convert glucose into energy. Magnesium is also used in the production of a number of enzymes. When there is not enough magnesium in the body, energy does not get produced leading to fatigue, sometimes chronic.
- Hypertension – Magnesium is needed to keep blood vessels healthy. It also regulates the amount of calcium and cholesterol in the blood. If the magnesium level is low, the blood starts circulating too much calcium and cholesterol – ideal materials for plaque formation. Plus, insufficient magnesium leads to too much calcium in the blood which in turn leads to inflammation and rigidity of tissues, including blood vessels. Inflammation can lead to damage to the blood vessels, which can result in the formation of scar tissue. The plaque has a higher chance of forming in the area of scar tissue. Once the plaque is formed, it keeps growing, and eventually, the opening narrows down, so blood cannot pass easily. The heart then needs to work harder and pump blood with more force which results in blood pressure rising.
- Heart disease – Magnesium deficiency is often associated with heart disease. Doctors have been using magnesium injections for cardiac arrest and arrhythmia for a long time. The heart muscle, like any other muscle in the body, depends on a continuous blood supply that delivers nutrients and oxygen. Where there is not enough magnesium, a build-up of arterial plaque may lead to the constriction of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, and even a blockage, which can lead to a heart attack.
- Hypoglycaemia – Blood sugar levels depend on sufficient levels of magnesium in the body. It regulates insulin activity. Insufficient magnesium can lead not only to a build-up of glucose but to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) as well.
- Asthma – Insufficient magnesium in the body increases bronchial spasms, as well as histamine production.
- Allergies – There is a direct link between magnesium deficiency and an allergic reaction since magnesium manages histamine production and response within the body.
- Kidney disease – Magnesium deficiency can lead to abnormal lipid levels and blood sugar control, and this can lead to kidney failure. However, people who already have kidney disease should consult with a medical professional before supplementing magnesium.
- Headache & migraine – Low magnesium levels lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and muscle spasms, which can lead to restriction of blood flow to the brain. The other factor contributing to headaches and migraines is that serotonin is not produced in sufficient amounts.
- Nervous disorders – Our nervous system depends on magnesium for healthy functioning. Magnesium is needed to transmit nerve signals between the brain and other organs and tissues since it activates calcium. Insufficient magnesium leads to peripheral nerve problems, as well as dysfunctions of the central nervous system.
- Sexual health – Magnesium plays a very important role in maintaining both male and female fertility and sexual function.
Dr Calolyn Dean on Magnesium Deficiency
Dr Calolyn Dean lists the following conditions that develop in cases of magnesium deficiency or require magnesium supplementation:
“Acid reflux, Adrenal fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Angina, Anxiety and panic attacks, Arthritis, Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Blood clots, Bowel disease, Brain dysfunction, Bruxism or teeth grinding, Cholesterol elevation, cystitis, Depression, Detoxification, Diabetes, Fatigue, Headaches, Heart disease, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Indigestion, Inflammation, Insomnia, IBS, Kidney disease, Kidney stones, Migraine, Muscoluskeletal conditions: (muscle cramps, fibrositis, fibromyalgia, GI spasms, tension headaches, muscle spams or muscle contractions in any muscle of the body, chronic neck and back pain, jaw tension), Nerve problems – Neuralgia, Neuritis, Neuropathy (burning pain, muscle weakness, numbness paralysis, pins and needles, seizures and convulsions, tingling twitching, vertigo, confusion), Obstetrical and gynaecological problems (PMS, dysmenorrhea, female infertility, premature contractions, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, cerebral palsy, sudden infant death syndrome, male infertility), Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Raynaud’s syndrome, Sports injuries, Sports recovery, Tempromandibular joint syndrome, Tongue biting, Tooth decay.” “The Magnesium Miracle”, by Dr Carolyn Dean – https://amzn.to/3rjxBeS
Regain Your Vitality
The perils of magnesium deficiency cannot be overstated. As we’ve uncovered throughout this article, magnesium is an indispensable mineral that influences virtually every aspect of our health. From the strength of our bones to the resilience of our hearts, from the clarity of our minds to the vitality of our bodies, magnesium is an unsung hero in the intricate symphony of life.
The consequences of magnesium deficiency, though often silent and gradual, are far-reaching. They encompass a spectrum of health issues, from muscle cramps and fatigue to more severe conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and even neurological disorders. Recognizing the significance of this mineral deficiency is the first step towards protecting our well-being and unlocking the potential for a healthier, more vibrant life.
However, the journey to optimal magnesium levels is not fraught with complexity. By embracing a balanced and diverse diet rich in magnesium sources, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, and by considering magnesium supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional when necessary, we can fortify our bodies against the dangers of deficiency.
Let us not allow magnesium deficiency to remain in the shadows of our health concerns. Instead, let it serve as a reminder that even the most unassuming components of our diet can wield profound influence over our well-being. The pursuit of good health is a holistic endeavor, and magnesium deserves its rightful place among the pantheon of vital nutrients.
In our collective journey toward better health, may we keep in mind the silent yet potent force of magnesium, and may we appreciate its role in helping us lead happier, healthier lives. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of nutrition and wellness, let us never forget the significance of this unassuming mineral and its power to transform our health from the inside out.
Want to learn how magnesium salts can help you?
Find out how to use it at home to treat 25 most common health conditions
*******************************
Mineral Healing Courses
I have developed 5 courses that reveal how magnesium salts, muds and clays in combination with far infrared technology can boost health and vitality. The courses can be studied by therapists and anyone interested in learning how to help themselves using these most ancient natural remedies. Check them out here.
*******************************
Take a look at my books
In my Mineral Healing series, I describe how minerals – salts, muds and clays – help us heal. Check them out here.
*******************************
