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What is
Magnesium?
Magnesium is the fourth most
abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good
health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found
in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells
of body tissues and organs.
Benefits
Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve
function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy
immune system, and keeps bones strong.
Magnesium also helps
regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure,
and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein
synthesis.
There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in
preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension,
cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Dietary
magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines.
Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys. Where is it found?
Green
vegetables such as spinach are good sources of
magnesium. Beans, seeds, and whole unrefined grains are also good sources of magnesium.
Symptoms
Of Deficiency/Side Effects
Gastrointestinal problems, such as mal absorption disorders,
can cause magnesium depletion by preventing the body from
using the
magnesium in food. Many symptoms involve changes
in nerve and muscle function.
These changes include muscle
weakness, tremor, and spasm. Low
magnesium can mimic other
illnesses and provide similar symptoms such as anxiety,
asthma, blood clots, bowel problems, cystitis, depression,
diabetes, and fatigue. |
