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Magnesium
Magnesium is an
essential mineral - essential in the sense that humans require it for
function and that we cannot make it ourselves. In fact, all
minerals are necessary for proper health and maintainence and must be
obtained from dietary sources.
Magnesium is a cofactor in
well over 300 enzymatic reactions that occur in the body, including the
ability to metabolize glucose. Muscles contain over 27% of the
body's total magnesium with the heart muscle being a major muscle group.
Magnesium is vital to muscle relaxation. Deficiency results in muscle
cramps, heart rate irregularities, constipation, irritability,
premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, fatigue, insulin resistance and high
blood pressure to name just a few conditions . It is estimated
that nearly 90% of Americans are magnesium deficienct - and this is
primarily due to poor dietary habits.
In order for magnesium to be properly utilized adequate amounts of calcium need to be present.
Adding magnesium back to the diet can reduce blood pressure, regulate
glucose metabolism, eliminate muscle cramps and presmenstrual syndrome
as well as premature labor.
Food sources of
magnesium include nuts, especially almonds, blackstrap molasses,
brewer's yeast, beets, spinach, dried fruits and all vegetables.
Magnesium is best absorbed in small amounts throughout the day.
One
of the best absorbable magnesium supplements is Peter Gilham's
Calm. The dose is 1-3 teaspoons daily mixed in water or juice;
excess magnesium causes diarrhea.
Peter Gillham's Calm available at www.vitaminsthatwork.com
1-800-446-7462
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