Great article on Magnesium Deficiency


http://www.naturalnews.com/024597.html


(NaturalNews) How Important Are Magnesium and Colloidal Minerals? A mutual agreement now exists between the medical and complementary health communities on the fact that a wide range of minerals is essential for human health. Nutrient deficiencies or excesses can influence disease states. According to Dr. Joel Wallach, mineral deficiencies have been proven to be the direct cause of early deaths in elite and world famous athletes as well as other groups of the population.

As an example of how minerals work in the body, magnesium is directly involved in 300 bodily functions, and is one of the most essential minerals to our wellbeing. After potassium, magnesium is the second highest mineral level inside our cells. It is directly involved in many of our bodily functions and processes. A magnesium deficiency may contribute to developing osteoporosis, as it is needed for the absorption of calcium- along with vitamin D, potassium and boron. This is why a number of calcium supplement formulations include magnesium, because of its bioavailability and its synergistic effect.

A magnesium deficiency may present any number of symptoms (described below). If you experience any one of these, chances are you have a magnesium deficiency.

A magnesium mineral deficiency may cause the following symptoms:

* Nervous anxiety
* Depression
* Constipation
* High blood pressure
* Sleeplessness
* Muscle weakness, cramps and spasms (this one is a definite sign of magnesium deficiency, possibly even calcium)
* Premenstrual Syndrome
* Hearth rhythm irregularities/ angina
* Cravings for chocolate and caffeine (which also causes the body to lose more magnesium)
* Back pain
* Headaches, cluster headaches, migraines
* Stiff and aching muscles
* Bones and joints that need continued chiropractic treatment
* Hypoglycaemia
* Diabetes
* Nervousness
* Hyperactivity
* Osteoporosis
* Kidney stones
* Attention deficit disorder [ADD]
* Adrenal exhaustion/chronic fatigue syndrome
* Exhaustion from exercise

Magnesium has been recognised as a treatment for high blood pressure in pregnancy, as well as an anticonvulsant. It is essential for many metabolic processes - especially in maintaining correct levels of sodium, potassium and calcium in the body. Magnesium is a most important nutrient for the cardiovascular system, heart muscle function and muscle contraction. It is involved in about 300 biochemical processes in the body and is important for body temperature regulation, bone strength, dilation of blood vessels, and in the production of energy. In addition, it helps reduce the risk of forming kidney stones, as it is directly involved in helping the body utilise calcium from dietary sources. It is involved in muscle contraction – hence, its close association with the cardiovascular system - and in relaxing the muscles and calming the entire nervous system, which also helps us to sleep better.