Magnificent Magnesium
I have only recently found interest in the Mineral Magnesium. Although not an Herb, it serves as a catalyst for so many chemical interactions occurring with other vitamins and Herbs. It’s actually responsible for over 300 chemical functions within the body.
It helps provide our bodies with energy, stabilizes heart rhythm and is most important in bone formation, as well as bone health. More than 60 percent of naturally occurring Magnesium is found throughout our skeletal mass, where it is responsible in providing our bodies with constant skeletal support. Magnesium works best when taken with Calcium.
Magnesium also helps deliver calcium and potassium to cell membranes as well as help transmit nerve signals and regulate muscle contractions.
Magnesium is found in seeds, halibut and spinach. Magnesium pills or tablets always come in compound form. You’ll never see Magnesium sold alone or as a pure mineral.
Do not ingest pure Magnesium…it could be extremely toxic and could even lead to heart failure. Forms of Magnesium compounds include: Magnesium glycinate, Magnesium sulfate and Magnesium citrate.
Certain forms of depression have been connected with low levels of Magnesium.
If you have consumed antibiotics or diuretics for a prolonged period of time, make sure you replenish your Magnesium, as these products are known to reduce Magnesium stores within the body. Take a Magnesium compound while consuming these drugs. For children, consult their pediatrician.
Health Benefits:
Anti – aging – lack of Magnesium causes loss of telomeres, these protect the tips of chromosomes. Telomeres are directly connected to rapid aging.
Heart Rhythm – because the heart is a muscle, Magnesium has been found to help regulate heart beat, especially in those that have an irregular heart beat. Magnesium sulfate is given in I.V. form to patients experiencing dangerous irregular heartbeats when first arriving to the hospital. Forms of Magnesium compounds are also given to women during labor to regulate blood pressure. I would highly recommend a combination of raw Garlic, Omega-3 Fish Oils and a Magnesium compound in order to maintain a really healthy heart!
Muscle Function – low levels of Magnesium can cause poor muscle function, especially in the elderly. Magnesium compounds are also being studied as a treatment to many central nervous system disorders and muscular dystrophies.
Your Bones – young women should keep up with their Magnesium intake daily. Magnesium directly contributes to greater bone density and for women, density drops the older you get.
Asthma – and related respiratory chronic disorders and the symptoms associated with these ailments can be reduced by taking Magnesium compounds. New studies have shown that among asthmatic children, giving them Magnesium Glycinate decreased bothersome bronchial discomfort. Their triggers reduced and use of medication dropped by over 35 percent!
So, don’t forget your Magnesium and try a halibut, basil and spinach dinner tonight – this is rich in naturally occurring Magnesium.
Don’t forget to always consult with your health practitioner before starting any change in diet…especially with children.
Later-g