{"id":4057,"date":"2017-07-31T22:45:51","date_gmt":"2017-07-31T22:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.vivehealth.com.au\/blog\/?p=4057"},"modified":"2017-07-31T22:45:51","modified_gmt":"2017-07-31T22:45:51","slug":"magnesium-the-miracle-mineral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.vivehealth.com.au\/blog\/2017\/07\/31\/magnesium-the-miracle-mineral\/","title":{"rendered":"Magnesium – The Miracle Mineral!"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Leia Mulroy | Clinical Nutritionist<\/p>\n

\n

\"magnesium\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Have you ever wondered why so many practitioners recommend Magnesium?
\nMagnesium is involved in 354 enzyme and chemical reactions in the human body.
\nWith 35% of the body\u2019s total Magnesium stores are found in the muscle and 50% in
\nthe bone. No wonder its called the miracle mineral!<\/p>\n

Where is Magnesium found?<\/h2>\n

Naturally, Magnesium is found in dark leafy vegetables such as kale, dandelion greens and spinach, as well as beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains, all of which take their Magnesium from the soil. Unfortunately, the majority of our soils are magnesium depleted and have been contaminated with harmful insecticides and pesticides. This is why choosing organic produce\u00a0is so important.<\/p>\n

What does Magnesium help with?<\/h2>\n

\"magnesium-for-migraines_thumb\"Magnesium is present in every cell in our body. With one of the most important
\nreactions is its involvement with energy production. In our cells, energy is referred
\nto as, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).<\/p>\n

\n

ATP is the major unit of energy produced in the body, but ATP is actually Magnesium\u2013ATP.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

All enzymes that create or use ATP, aka – Energy! require Magnesium. Deficiency of Magnesium means that energy cannot be produced and tiredness and fatigue can result.<\/p>\n

Other major functions of Magnesium include:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Supports normal psychological functioning and neurotransmission of the<\/strong>
\nnervous system<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Low levels of Magnesium result in hyper excitability of the nerves and can cause
\nrandom neurotransmission firing. This can alter sleep patterns, cause restlessness,
\nanxiety, and affect concentration and learning. High stress depletes magnesium
\nstores and is linked to an increased rate of depression.<\/p>\n

Contributes to normal muscle function and muscle contraction including<\/strong>
\nthe heart muscle.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The part played by Magnesium in skeletal muscle is similar to that of nerves,
\nacting as a calcium channel blocker, helping to regulate muscle contraction and
\nrelaxation. Decreased levels of Magnesium can result in muscular spasms and
\ncramps, and has also been linked to heart arrhythmia’s and hypertension.<\/p>\n

Maintains healthy bones and teeth<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Magnesium is needed for the absorption, transport and metabolism of calcium.
\nCalcium is required for the parathyroid hormone that regulates bone breakdown
\nand activating the enzyme required for the production of new bone. Low levels of
\nMagnesium in the blood and a low Magnesium:Calcium ratio have been
\nassociated with an increased risk of periodontal disease and poor tooth integrity.<\/p>\n

Supports healthy electrolyte and mineral balance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Electrolytes are minerals in the body that have an electrical charge. Calcium,
\nMagnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine and phosphate are all electrolytes.
\nLevels of electrolytes can become too low due to sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea or
\neven over hydration. Deficiency of Magnesium can disrupt the balance of these
\nessential minerals leading to imbalances in our cells causing muscle cramps,
\nspasms, headaches, restlessness and fatigue.<\/p>\n

How do I know if I’m Magnesium deficient, and what other factors deplete our bodies of Magnesium?<\/h2>\n

Magnesium deficiency can occur with out any notable symptoms. Chronic stress,
\nbusy day to day lives and dietary excess of caffeine and sugar can slowly leech
\naway our magnesium stores. Not to mention other equally important nutrients such
\nas B vitamins, Zinc,<\/strong> and Iron<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Particular symptoms<\/strong> you may notice include:<\/p>\n