Magnesium is a chemical element with symbol Mg and atomic number 12.
It is a shiny grey solid, has a terrible taste in its natural form and ninth most abundant element in the universe.
Not all magnesiums are made the same.
If you have tried to look for a magnesium supplement at your local chemist, supermarket or health food store, you may have felt overwhelmed at the many types of magnesium that are available.
Choosing the wrong type of magnesium for your needs may lead to challenges.
Choosing the RIGHT type of magnesium CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Magnesium is a wonderful mineral.
It's necessary for heart health, important muscle function, essential for proper brain function, and acts as a mediator in a multitude of biochemical reactions vital for living (such as forming bones and playing a role in diabetes) [1].
Magnesium is necessary for the functioning of over 300 enzymes in humans, with 90% of total body magnesium being contained in the muscles and bones.
It is essential for good health and wellbeing however recent studies have shown that as much as 30% of a given population is deficient in magnesium.
Why Are We So Deficient?
Since the 1940’s the micronutrient density in our food has dramatically declined by up to 18% in meats, 70% in dairy products, 24% in vegetables, 20% in wheat, and 99% is lost during the refining process of foods like flour, sugar and rice.
One review paper concluded: ‘Magnesium deficiency in plants is becoming an increasingly severe problem with the development of industry and agriculture and the increase in human population’.[2]
Processed foods, fat, refined flour and sugars are all devoid of magnesium, and thus our Western diet predisposes us to magnesium deficiency.
Good dietary sources of magnesium include nuts, and unrefined whole grains.
A high intake of phosphorus from food like dairy products, processed meats and soft drinks increases magnesium requirements and dietary aluminium can reduce the absorption of magnesium by up to 41% causing lower levels of magnesium in the bone.
This could be a major contributor of the astounding worldwide deficiency levels, as aluminium is found in many widely used products such as in aluminium cookware, deodorants, over-the-counter and prescription medications, baking powder, baked goods, and others.
Other causes of magnesium deficiency include:
- Alcohol
- Ageing
- Calcium supplements (or a high calcium:magnesium diet)
- Caffeine
- Cancer
- Coeliac disease
- Chronic stress
- Chron’s disease
- Excessive ingestion of poorly absorbable magnesium
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Low salt intake
- Pregnancy
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
- Vitamin D excess OR deficiency
Signs of Magnesium Deficiency
The less severe and more common signs of Magnesium deficiency include:- Anxiety
- Depression
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Photosensitivity
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Low potassium and calcium absorption
- Low urine
- Muscle spasms and cramps
If the body is extremely deficient in Magnesium, the more severe side of this deficiency include:
- Heart arrhythmia
- Cataracts
- Convulsions
- Coronary artery disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depressed immune response
- Hearing loss
- Heart failure
- Migraines
- Psychotic behaviour
- Seizures
The Best Whole foods for Magnesium Intake
Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Carbonate
These forms of magnesium are the least absorbed forms, and excessive ingestion of these types of magnesium can actually decrease the body’s ability to absorb magnesium over time.
Magnesium Malate
This form of magnesium is best for muscle tension and soreness and can also help with muscle pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Magnesium Citrate
Is my second favourite magnesium supplement . . .
Magnesium citrate benefits and uses include:
- Cleaning stool from the intestines, which is why magnesium citrate is sometimes used before surgery or certain bowel procedures like a colonoscopy
- Relieving constipation, gas and bloating
- Helping regulate muscle and nerve functions
- Supporting higher energy levels/preventing fatigue
- Supporting bone and dental health
- Helping with maintenance of normal blood pressure, heartbeat rhythms and blood glucose levels
- Helping maintain a positive outlook and calmness
- Supporting healthy immune system function
Magnesium L-Threnonate
A unique form of magnesium in that it is the only form that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
It protects the brain and helps defend against pathogens.
Magnesium L-Threnonate is best for mental overstimulation, cognitive support, mental focus and also to help with conditions such as ADHD and insomnia.
Magnesium (bis)Glycinate
This is my favourite . . .
This is the most bio-available form of magnesium available meaning that it is easily and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream.It is great for stress, hypertension, high blood pressure and heart conditions.
This form of magnesium I believe is one of the most important supplements for health.
| How to Raise Your Magnesium Levels Safely Firstly, make sure that you consider other vitamins and minerals when taking magnesium, especially vitamin K2 and vitamin D. These nutrients need to be balanced with one another to provide optimum health benefits and prevent serious complications, such as heart attacks and vitamin D toxicity. Also, avoid supplements that contain magnesium stearate, since it’s a common additive that can endanger your health. The best way to find your magnesium, Vitamin D and other nutrient levels is via a blood test. As you can see it is very important that you choose the right magnesium supplement for you own unique needs. There are a variety of practitioner-only products containing magnesium that you can choose from, that target the following areas: 1. Pain 2. Stress 3. Hormones 4. Brain health 5. Energy and thyroid 6. Heart health and circulation. 7. Sleep I will be able to help you identify which of the above may suit you best, to ensure you are getting the most effective supplement for your needs. This will ensure you will see real results instead of potentially negatively affecting your health. Click here to send an email now, or call us on (07) 5474 5354. |
Something Of Importance To Note . . .
For instance if someone is low in zinc and they begin taking even a small amount of zinc they can feel nauseous and upset in the stomach.
If someone is low in magnesium or vitamin C and they begin taking just small amounts of either of these supplements, they can experience loose bowels or even quite severe diarrhoea.
This is just a couple of examples of how the body begins to heal, and I'll leave you with one more.
If someone is severely deficient in vitamin B (especially B12) when they begin supplementing they can experience a faster detoxification which can leave them feeling headachy, tired and lethargic with muscle cramps.
If you weren't aware of these healing challenges, you would think you were experiencing a side-effect.
A side-effect means it is a negative reaction.
However, it is important to understand experiencing a healing challenge means that your body desperately needs the nutrients or supplement but you may have to start with a smaller dose and work up to the recommended dosage.
Until next time,
Dedicated to Improving Your Wellbeing and Committed To Helping You Achieve Abundant Health and Wealth,
The team at Unique Health and Wellness.
Would You Like To Find Out More?
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References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786912/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14428052/
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286839#sources
The information provided does not take into account individual needs of any particular person. When providing this information, it is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research. The information provided should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction and is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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Unique Health and Wellness Australia is affiliated with InnerOrigin with the intention of selling non-therapeutic goods which enhance health and wellbeing. These are ancillary products which will not compromise therapeutic goals. InnerOrigin also sells TGA approved therapeutic goods, however we actively discourage our clients from substituting their prescribed natural medicines with these products. Our financial interest in InnerOrigin will therefore not influence the quality of care we provide to our clients. Our high standard of care for our clients is always our first priority.
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