Why magnesium?
Magnesium is a fundamental building block and supports our body to achieve and maintain good health. It supports the production of energy within all of our cells and is positively associated with over 600 reactions in our body, including the ATP cycle within our cells.
​
Magnesium can help support the effective functioning of our organs, and in particular the heart and kidneys. Magnesium also supports healthy levels of calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D and other important nutrient levels within our cells.
​
Many of us require further vital mineral magnesium support. This nutrient can often be lacking in our soil and is essential for our well being.
Magnesium can help support:
DETOXIFICATION OF HEAVY METALS & TOXINS
Various studies on the positive impacts of magnesium have demonstrated that magnesium is crucial for the natural detoxification of the body. It has been shown to protect the cells, especially the brain cells, from aluminium, mercury, lead and other heavy metal accumulation. Studies have also shown that it helps reduce the toxification levels in the body caused by food additives, like MSG and artificial sweeteners, or that may occur following procedures like vaccinations. When magnesium levels are low, toxins accumulate and degenerate cells prematurely.
​
Magnesium assists in the formation of antioxidant vitamins, which enhance glutathione levels that help the body regenerate itself against the effects of smoking, radiation, chemical, toxins and heavy metals (2).
NORMAL MUSCLE FUNCTION - CRAMPS, ACHES, RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Magnesium has been found to function as a very efficient muscle relaxant, secondary to its inhibitory effect on calcium. The relationship between magnesium and calcium is very complex. In essence, calcium exists outside the cells, whilst magnesium is found within them. Low magnesium levels can lead to calcium flowing into the cells and such an overload can contribute to muscle spasms and an overstimulated nervous system. So as calcium excites the cells, magnesium relaxes them and a balanced relationship between the two promotes the body’s harmony. Magnesium can help the body to fight fatigue, support efficient metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels (3) (4).
PAIN RELIEF
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to over sensitisation of the nerves which can potentially lead to chronic nerve related pain. Studies have shown the correlation between magnesium and its effects on blocking pain impulses at the NDMA receptor site. Magnesium has been shown to work in several other pain-inhibiting ways including reducing inflammation and increasing cellular energy (5) (6).
SLEEP
SLEEP
Magnesium’s relaxing effects on our cells and counteractive effects to overstimulation of the nerves extends its advantages to improved quality of sleep. The benefits of a sound sleep and the positive health impacts that are associated with sleeping well have been well demonstrated thorough multiple studies.
Magnesium has also been found to reduce muscle spasms and lower cortisol levels, thus reducing stress levels and improving sleep.
​
Magnesium has been found to increase melatonin and renin naturally, both of which contribute to good sleep patterns and quality.
STRESS, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
Stress causes a higher production of adrenaline, cortisol and noradrenaline from the adrenals in the body and magnesium can help rebalance these levels. However, this depletes the magnesium levels in the body and chronic stress has been strongly correlated with the depletion of magnesium in the body. Stress, especially chronic stress, can lead to a depletion of magnesium levels in the body.
​
Magnesium also plays a very important role in release and uptake of serotonin (commonly referred to as our feel good hormone). Low levels of serotonin lead to mood disorders, anxiety and depression.
​
Magnesium also plays a major role in the production of DHEA, our anti-aging hormone. DHEA naturally declines with age and also with stress (7).
HEART DISEASE & HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Magnesium is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and also its ability to help lower blood pressure. This is assisted by the vasodilation and blockage of the entry of calcium into cells. A reduced risk of inflammation and/or high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks and heart disease (8) (9).
TYPE 2 DIABETES
The production of homocysteine in our bodies is responsible for causing the increase of oxidative stress that leads to high blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that magnesium can reduce the production of homocysteine and also that it can reduce blood sugar and HbA1C levels in our bodies. It has also been found to be very helpful in the formation and control of cholesterol. These factors aid in the prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes (10).
HEALTHY HORMONE BALANCE
Magnesium assists the body with maintaining balanced hormone levels-male and female. Testimonials and studies have shown it to greatly help with menstrual cramps, PMS (11) and menopausal symptoms (12).
CANDIDA OVERGROWTH
Magnesium is also required to breakdown the toxic metabolites of candida albicans, the most important being acetaldehyde. This is a neurotoxin and can lead to a variety of symptoms- especially fatigue, abdominal pain and headaches.
ALLERGIES & ASTHMA
Magnesium supports the immune response by maintaining ideal pH levels and increasing white cell counts. Healthy levels of magnesium are associated with reduced rates of asthma and allergies. Magnesium reduces histamine release and helps relax muscles associated with breathing to enable one to take a full breath (13) (14).
OSTEOPOROSIS & TOOTH DECAY
The magnesium /calcium balance is extremely important. Magnesium deficiency causes a rise in intracellular calcium, which means that less is available for bones and teeth. Magnesium helps increase thyrocalcitonin (which moves calcium into bones and teeth) and helps reduce parathyroid hormone (which causes breakdown of bone). It also creates a greater flexibility within the bone matrix (15) (16) (17).
PREGNANCY
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Many people with chronic fatigue can benefit from supplementation with magnesium. It increases DHEA which helps improve memory, aid sleep, reduce stress and pain (20).
SKIN ISSUES
Magnesium can help with dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and acne. This is in part by reducing inflammation, improving the skin barrier and wound healing. It can also help with dermatitis (21).
It can also help with bacterial like staphylococcal and fungal skin infections (22).
MIGRAINES & HEADACHES
Magnesium levels have been found to be low in migraine sufferers and several studies suggest magnesium can prevent and treat migraines (23).
HEARING LOSS & TINNITUS
Magnesium protects the inner ear by inhibiting glutamate. It may prevent noise induced hearing loss. It may also help with over sensitivity to loud sounds (24) (25) (26).
AUTISM & ADHD
Magnesium deficiency may present as disruptive behaviour. Magnesium absorption is dependent on a healthy gut wall. Leaky gut is a result of chronic gut inflammation, which causes a permeable gut wall. This can be due to parasites, contraceptive pills, antibiotics, heavy metals and of course a poor diet. In this situation oral magnesium will have difficulty being absorbed. Magnesium helps to soothe this intestinal lining and remove toxic overload from the body. Studies have shown an improvement in behaviour with ADHD and autism (27) (28).
EPILEPSY
Magnesium helps with muscle relaxation (29).
RAYNAUDS
Magnesium helps relax the spastic blood vessels that cause pain and numbness of fingers (30).
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Magnesium deficiency can increase the frequency and severity of bladder spasms. Magnesium is believed to alkalinize the urine, which may help to decrease bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
Magnesium can help to reduce bed wetting in children by reducing inflammation and helping them to completely empty their bladders before bedtime.
DETERIORATING RENAL FUNCTION
Low magnesium is associated with kidney function decline in chronic kidney disease patients as well as mortality in dialysis patients (31).
SLOWING THE AGEING PROCESS
WEIGHT LOSS
Recent research reveals that Magnesium deficiency can cause weight gain and obesity by several mechanisms.
Magnesium helps insulin guide glucose into cells for energy. When there is inadequate Magnesium available, glucose and insulin levels elevate which then leads to an increase of fat deposition especially on the abdomen.
​
ALSO Magnesium assists in reducing stress and cortisol release. Cortisol slows down your metabolism and hence leads to weight gain.
Magnesium is an important nutrient which is responsible for energy in every single cell in our body.
Deficiency can lead to unnecessary food cravings, low blood sugar, anxiety, and a tendency to overeat making weight loss virtually impossible.
​
Magnesium also promotes enhanced levels of free testosterone in the body. Testosterone helps reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so is more beneficial for weight loss.