| MAGNESIUM: |
function:
Magnesium helps in the uptake of calcium and potassium. A deficiency
in magnesium interferes with the transmission of nerve an muscle impulses,
causing irritability and nervousness. Taking magnesium as a
supplement can help prevent depression, dizziness, muscle weakness,
twitching and PMS. It is necessary to prevent the calcification of
soft tissue, and to protect the arterial linings from stress due to
sudden blood pressure changes. It has many useful functions.
Research has shown the magnesium may help prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis
and certain forms of cancer. It may reduce cholesterol levels and prevent
premature labor and convulsions in pregnant women. |
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manifestations from
deficiencies: confusion, insomnia, irritability,
poor digestion, rapid
heartbeat,
seizures, and tantrums. Deficiency is at the root
of many cardiovascular problem, causing, fatal cardiac
arrhythmia, hypertension, and sudden cardiac arrest, as well
as asthma, chronic fatigue, chronic pain syndromes, depression insomnia,
irritable bowel syndrome, and pulmonary disorders. |
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dr. testing: To test
for magnesium deficiency, a procedure called an intracellular (mononuclear
cell) magnesium screen should be done. This is a more sensitive test
than the normal serum magnesium screen, and is more accurate for testing
deficiencies. It is very important to perform this test on
persons who have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease on a routine
bases. |
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sources: Magnesium
is found in most foods, specially dairy product, fish meat and
seafood. Other rich sources are apples, apricots, avocados, bananas,
blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, brown rice, cantaloupe, dulse, figs,
garlic, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, kelp, lemons, lima beans,
millet, nuts, peaches, black-eyed peas, salmon, sesame seeds, soybeans,
tofu, torula yeast, watercress, wheat, and whole grains |
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considerations:
The use of alcohol, diuretics, diarrhea, the presence of fluoride and high
levels of zinc, and vitamin D all increase the body's need for
magnesium. The consumption of large amounts of fats, cod liver
oil, calcium, vitamin D and protein decrease magnesium
absorption. Fat soluble vitamins also hinder the absorption of
magnesium, as do food high in oxalic acid, such as almonds, chard, cocoa,
rhubarb, spinach, and tea. |
