The mineral "magnesium" is essential for hundreds of chemical reactions that occur in the body every second. Recent findings suggest that it has many important health-promoting benefits.
A leading researcher in the field is Dr. Mildred Seelig, a pediatrician, internal medicine specialist and master of public health who has been studying magnesium for the past 35 years. She and nutritionist Dr. Andrea Rosanoff wrote "The Magnesium Factor."
In their book, they stress that magnesium is one of the most important nutrients, but that the majority of people in the west suffer from magnesium deficiency.
Drs. Seelig and Rosanoff argue that this deficiency is a major cause of "heart disease and diabetes," as well as a significant number of other common health problems which involve a serious risk of dying prematurely.
"The solution to heart disease has been with us all along, and it is nutritional," according to the doctors findings.
"Most modern heart disease is caused by a magnesium deficiency." A vast and convincing body of research, mostly ignored, has convinced us and many of our colleagues of this fact.
The diet of the industrial world is "deficient on magnesium," and this is causing an epidemic of heart disease.
Unfortunately, the effects of this low intake of magnesium can be worsened by the high levels of fat, sugar, sodium and phosphate in our diets, as well as, the use of calcium supplements, which has become widespread because of the constant promotion of "calcium's value for bone health."
Low levels, causes heart arrhythmia and is a major reason for migraine attacks. Ironically, drugs used in the treatment of asthma cause a loss of it too.
Research has shown that it is vital to heart function, and limits muscle damage during a heart attack; aids regulation of normal heart rhythm; relieves bronchospasm (constricted airways) in the lungs; protects hearing from excess noise; improves parathyroid function; benefits sleep; improves the bio-availability of Vitamin B6 and cholesterol; strengthens tooth enamel and helps improve the functioning of the nerves and muscles.
Do you need magnesium?
Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms
Migraine headaches
Muscle cramps in legs or feet
Muscle twitches
Aching muscles
Dental pain
Brain 'fogging'
Anxiety or irritability
Restless legs
Green vegetables like spinach provide magnesium. The center of the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium. Nuts, seeds, and some whole grains are also good sources. Magnesium Rich Foods include (Squash, Pumpkin, Watermelon Seeds, Flax, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds and Cashews are all good sources.)
Although it's is present in many foods, it usually occurs in small amounts. Like most nutrients, daily needs for magnesium cannot be met from a single food.
Eating a wide variety of foods, including five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and plenty of whole grains, helps to ensure an adequate intake of magnesium.
Refined foods have very little magnesium. Whole-wheat bread, for example, has twice as much magnesium as white bread because the magnesium-rich germ and bran are removed when white flour is processed.
Water can provide magnesium, but the amount varies according to the water supply. "Hard" water contains more magnesium than "soft" water.
Steve is a Naturopath, researcher, author and health consultant. Discover other helpful information about herbs, vitamins, drug interactions, parasites and much more at: http://homeremedies1.com
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