Meet The Miracle Mineral: Magnesium

More people are deficient in magnesium then any other vitamin or mineral. Research shows between 80-90% of the general population is magnesium deficient. A deficiency in magnesium also accounts for a long list of symptoms and diseases. In my practice, magnesium is one of my secret weapons against illness.

Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff — whether it is a body part or an even a mood — is a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in your body!

How do you know if you are deficient? You may have a deficiency if you have any of the following:

• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to loud noises
• Anxiety
• Autism
• ADD
• Palpitations
• Angina
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue
• Asthma
• Kidney stones
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• High blood pressure
• PMS
• Menstrual cramps
• Irritable bladder
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Reflux
• Trouble swallowing

Why are Americans so deficient? The answer is that most Americans eat a diet that has practically no magnesium. They eat a diet that is highly processed, refined and is based mostly on white flour, meat and dairy (all of which have no magnesium).

In addition, many Americans drain their magnesium levels by consuming too much soda, sugar, salt and alcohol. Also, many blood pressure medications and diuretics can cause loss of magnesium.

Here are some foods that are high in magnesium:

• Kelp

• Wheat Bran

• Wheat Germ

• Almonds

• Cashews

• Buckwheat

• Brazil Nuts

• Millet

• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Rye
• Tofu
• Soy Beans
• Brown Rice
• Figs
• Dates
• Collard Greens
• Shrimp
• Avocado
• Parsley
• Beans
• Barley
• Garlic

The RDA for magnesium is 300mg a day. Most of us get far less than 200mg a day. In my office we generally supplement with 500mg a day. People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should consult with their physician before taking magnesium.

Remember, the best forms of magnesium are citrate, glycinate, taurate, or aspartate. Avoid magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide as these the cheapest and most poorly absorbed.

Also remember to get a pharmaceutical grade form of Magnesium. I tell patients the most expensive supplements are those that DON'T WORK!! So make sure you're getting pharmaceutical grade and NOT food grade!

If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to call the clinic. We routinely check patients' magnesium levels to make sure there are no deficiencies. In our office we don't guess, we test!

To Your Optimal Health,

Dr. Brandon Mannie B.S., D.C.