More reasons you might need magnesium

Magnesium is a basic but significant mineral that is involved with over 320 biochemical reactions in the body. Because it’s such a critical nutrient, it’s a serious problem that many are deficient in this key nutrient.

The first sign you are deficient in this nutrient is leg cramps, eye twitching, restless legs.  Magnesium deficiency can also lead to constipation, high blood pressure and menstrual cramps.

So it's an important nutrient!  

Some of the reasons for deficiency include the fact that our food has lower magnesium content due to poor quality soil, we lose magnesium when stressed, and sweating causes magnesium depletion.

There are other reasons you need magnesium too.  They are easy to remember as they all start with 'I'....

• Insomnia can be caused by many reasons, with magnesium deficiency being at the top. Magnesium calms the nervous system, relaxes muscles and counters stress. Replenishing magnesium can lead to a longer, uninterrupted sleep pattern.
• Insulin resistance is when cells don’t respond adequately to insulin’s attempt to shuttle glucose into the cell after eating, resulting in elevated blood sugar and increased fat storage. It is the hallmark of pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Research shows that people with adequate magnesium levels have improved insulin sensitivity. People with the highest magnesium levels have a lower risk of developing diabetes, even if they have the risk factors such as smoking, low activity level and excessive weight.
• Inflammation is at the root cause of so many health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease and obesity. Magnesium has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory. More than one study has shown that as magnesium levels decrease, CRP (a marker for inflammation) increases. Elevated CRP is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

A maintenance dose is around 400mg a day – if deficient you can take twice this for a week.

Magnesium helps reduce hot flushes in menopause

Those who undergo treatment for Breast Cancer, usually those who have had chemotherapy will often suffer ongoing from hot flushes, a side effect of their treatment.

There is something that might help and it's one of my favourite minerals: Magnesium. 

A new study found that breast cancer survivors who took this mineral had fewer sweaty days and nights.

For the study, U.S. researchers recruited breast cancer survivors. Each of the women experienced at least 14 hot flushes per week. To see if they could help ease these symptoms, the researchers gave the women 400 mg per day of magnesium oxide for four weeks.

400mg is a normal dose, and you will often find this amount in tablets in NZ.

A month later, the women reported 41 percent fewer hot flushes. Plus, the hot flushes weren't as bad.  In fact, the women said their intensity decreased by about 50 percent.

So a very simple, cheap and safe mineral to try if you are suffering from this problem.

The other great thing about magnesium is it helps to reduce stress, prevents cramping and increases your energy.

Very easily lost and difficult to get in foods, it is a mineral that is easily absorbed and works quickly in a supplement.

Study Source: Supportive Care in Cancer

Volume 19, Number 6, 859-863
“A pilot phase II trial of magnesium supplements to reduce menopausal hot flashes in breast cancer patients”
Authors: H. Park, G.L. Parker, C.H. Boardman, M.M. Morris, T.J. Smith