Being deficient in Magnesium can affect your health
Note from Carolyn:
Here is a great article on picking the right foods and being open to supplements. I get my magnesium through my foods and a good multi-vitamin.
Article continues...
The National Academy of Sciences reported that Americans are critically lacking in adequate amounts of magnesium; men receive only 80% of the recommended daily allowance and women only 70%.
Most people basically associated magnesium only as an important mineral necessary for proper utilization of calcium. What they don’t know is that magnesium is required for well over 350 different enzymes, not to mention the hundreds of other essential functions within the body.
How the Depletion Happened…
I’ve written about the serious consequences of industrial farming and food processing in articles and my books. Now there’s another consequence due to depleted soil that lacks essential minerals like those where the following crops are grown like vegetables, grains, fruits, seeds, legumes, beans, etc...
Food processing also depletes a large amount of naturally-occurring magnesium in the refining processes. The baby-boomer generation is now paying the high price of chronic disorders from these processed foods and farming practices mostly implemented after WWII – magnesium deficiency being a major disorder that translates to chronic illnesses.
Magnesium Depletors...
Excessive stress (physical or mental)
Caffeine (more than one cup per day)
High protein diet
Excessive calcium intake (very common)
High sodium diet
Refined sugars
Medical drugs of all types (includes over-the-counter drugs)
Alcohol
Tobacco
Diuretics (water pills)
High perspiration or sweating
Diarrhea
White sugar and flour
Diabetes (causes magnesium loss rapidly)
Soft drinks (especially cola type)
Surgery (anesthetics, medications, etc.)
Chronic pain (the body uses magnesium quicker than its replaced)
High carbohydrate diet
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Consequences of Deficiency…
According to Carolyn Dean, M.D., the decline of magnesium in our diets has been gradual – from a high of 500 mg/day at the turn of the century to barely 175-225 mg/day in 2010. The recommended dose for women over age 30 is generally around 320 mg/day.
The ironic part of this magnesium depletion dilemma is that pharmaceutical drugs used to treat the conditions listed below only serve to further deplete magnesium and other essential minerals. If you or someone you know experience any of the following conditions, consult with your health professional and ask to have your magnesium levels checked.
Yes, taking supplemental magnesium and eating foods high in this mineral can help reverse these conditions. However, you may have to try several magnesium supplements before finding the one that best agrees with your body and doesn’t cause abdominal cramping, loose stools and intestinal gas and/or bloating. Remember, if you aren’t absorbing it, it’s doing more harm than good!
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency Include:
Allergies Anxiety and panic attacks
Asthma Attention Deficit Disorder
Bowel disease Blood clots
Back/neck/joint pain without strain Constipation/incomplete evacuation
Cystitis Depression
Diabetes Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Gynecological problems
Heart disease Hypertension
Hypoglycemia Insomnia/restless or unrestorative sleep
Kidney disease Musculoskeletal conditions
Mitral valve prolepses Migraine headaches
Nerve problems Osteoporosis
Reynaud’s syndrome Tooth decay
Food as Medicine – Foods High in Magnesium…
Each of the following mg are based on a 3 ounce serving.
Kelp- 760 mg
Wheat bran- 490 mg
Molasses- 258 mg
Brewer’s Yeast- 231 mg
Buckwheat- 229 mg
Brazil nuts- 225 mg
Dulse (sea vegetable)- 220 mg
Filberts- 184 mg
Wheat germ- 336 mg
Almonds- 270 mg
Cashews- 267 mg
Peanuts- 175 mg
Wheat grain- 160 mg
Millet- 163 mg
Pecans- 145 mg
English walnuts- 131 mg
Rye- 115 mg
Tofu- 111 mg
Dr. Gloria Gilbčre
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of the author(s). Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of the authors. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
