Magnesium is an often overlooked nutrient that is necessary for just about all body functions. Potassium, calcium and even sodium get all the buzz, but magnesium is sustains more than 300 biochemical processes. Every cell in our body needs magnesium to work properly. This mineral is crucial for your overall health and well-being, but scarily, an estimated 80% of the population is magnesium deficient.

Are You Magnesium Deficient? Here’s a few common symptoms that may be alleviated by restoring your magnesium levels.

• Musculoskeletal disorders: Chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle spasm, eye twitches tremors, weakness, restlessness, and Restless Leg Syndrome.
• Osteoporosis.
• Psychological and behavioral disorders: Depression, irritability, or bipolar disorders.
• Neurological disorders like heightened sensitivity to noise, light and pain.
• Migraine headaches.
• Endocrine problems: Insulin deficiency and onset of type 2 diabetes, or poor management of blood sugar levels.
• Signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
• Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
• And cardiovascular issues: Cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, hypertension and vasospasm.

Sadly, most people’s diet’s are woefully deficient in mag. Fast food and sugary snacks washed down by soda pop is a recipe for disaster. But even the best diets may be low in mag compared to that of our ancestors. Most soil is deficient in magnesium and the water used likely suffers from the same issues. Caffeine and alcohol may lower magnesium levels. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can interfere with magnesium absorption and utilization.

Magnesium deficiency should be part of routine screening for all patients who are suffering from heart related complications. However, simple blood tests don’t provide a very accurate measure of your magnesium level. Magnesium is in your cells, not in your blood. Have your doctor check intra-cellular magnesium levels. It’s advisable to pay attention to the signs of magnesium deficiency and note how you feel after adding a magnesium supplement.

Magnesium For Heart Health

Several studies have confirmed that magnesium supplements can protect your heart from stress during exercise and allows heart patients to exercise for a longer duration. The studies also reveal that magnesium promotes vasodilation and allows the blood vessels to circulate more blood when required. Magnesium has been conventionally used as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever. It prevents our nerves from getting overexcited. The relaxing effect of magnesium is so pronounced that this macro-mineral is referred as the calming mineral.

Unfortunately, many pharmaceuticals deplete the body of magnesium. This is very common in cardiology patients who take prescription diuretics.

According to cardiac rehabilitation experts, magnesium deficiency makes the cells more vulnerable to injuries and heart patients may greatly benefit from magnesium supplements. Magnesium proves very instrumental in stabilizing the heart rhythm and prevents any serious blood clotting in the heart. Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, is one of the pioneer researchers who claim that magnesium supplements can promote the efficient functions of blood vessels and actually prevent cardiac stress in heart patients during exercise. I recommend magnesium to my heart patients and the results are impressive.

If you are suffering from high blood pressure or any other cardiac issues, the natural Paleo sources of magnesium like organic leafy green vegetables, avocados and almonds are delicious ways to get this key nutrient. Even when consuming adequate amounts of magnesium rich foods, you should consider supplementation especially if you’re still showing sign of a deficiency.
Magnesium supplements help maintain normal blood pressure and also help lower the risks of strokes and heart attacks. It makes perfect sense that magnesium is a highly recommended must-have supplement for patients after a cardiac event. The quality and source of the magnesium are critical.

Your body must be able to absorb and metabolize any supplement, so let’s learn about what to look for in a magnesium supplement.

Magnesium oxide:

Cheap form found in most supplements and the most common oral source in hospitals and prescriptions.

Magnesium Citrate:

Typically found in over the counter laxative preparations. Not a good choice for getting nutritional magnesium.

Magnesium Sulfate:

Usually administered as injection to treat severe deficiency (and prolonged constipation). Not a good choice for correcting a deficiency. Remember, The Cause Is The Cure. The problem is not a lack of painful injections that cause diarrhea.

Magnesium Carbonate:

Gym chalk! Some people actually use this as a laxative too. Definitely not a good choice.

This is a chelated form of magnesium. (Chelated means attached to a protein or other organic molecule which allows for greater absorption of the mineral.) This is an excellent choice for nutritional magnesium. It is gentle on the system and is designed for daily use.

Magnesium L Threonate:

Overuse of low quality magnesium supplements may produce certain side effects like nausea, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue and muscle weakness. Magnesium may interact with certain medications like antibiotics, diuretics or blood pressure medications. You should consult your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, particularly if you have any issues with your kidneys.

Knowing that 80% of the population is likely deficient in this important nutrient should make people take notice. Most experts agree that adding a high quality magnesium supplement to their daily routine would be a huge benefit. Don’t waste your time or money on a product that your body will not absorb. As with all supplements, absorption is the key to consistent health benefits.