Archive for the ‘Magnesium and nutrition’ Category
Vitamins and magnesium supplements
Zinc is a vital mineral required for the body. Many people may not realize the importance of this mineral hence let us focus on zinc supplements. Zinc helps in developing immunity and fighting against various diseases. During pregnancy zinc intake should be more in women. Multivitamin tablets are good sources of zinc.
Some people swear by the leaves of feverfew, eating one per day which is easy way to take it. It is important, however, that you do so regularly, since it can take for up to 6 to 8 weeks for you to notice a reduction in your attacks. Don’t give up after 5 or 6 weeks, but continue, since the results will be well worth it. If you stop for a week or two you will have to start all over again. You might get a sore mouth and perhaps mouth ulcers to start with, but these will eventually go once your body is used to it.
Riboflavin, vitamin B 2, is also believed to useful in reducing the duration and frequency of migraine attacks, working in much the same way as magnesium. It is known that there are many cases of people who suffer from vitamin B 2 deficiency also suffering from migraines, and a riboflavin supplement is also worth trying if you are a consistent victim of this condition.
Patients with osteoporosis can be at risk due to the deficiency of magnesium in their bodies. Magnesium controls the metabolic activity of calcium and those hormones responsible for controlling calcium. It has been noted that magnesium supplements can increase the mineral density in bones. For all those who suffer from hypertension, magnesium supplements can help them to deal with it. In addition, healthy and balanced diet containing magnesium will help to deal with magnesium deficiency.
Green leafy vegetables, meat, etc are good sources of magnesium. Such foods are normally high in fibers and potassium, which are also good for health. Magnesium also helps in controlling the levels of insulin so it is good for patients with diabetes. It regulates insulin level in the body, which helps in controlling the blood sugar level.
It is not easy to live with a migraine since it can be completely debilitating. Some just have a severe headache, while others are affected for days at a time. The headache can become before and after the onset of the shimmering lights and other optical effects that are generated by the brain.
If your migraine is at the front of the head, then you should try ginger. Unlike feverfew, ginger works on a migraine as it is occurring, and improvement can be achieved for a bad migraine within half an hour. In fact if, like many people, you can feel a migraine coming on, half a teaspoon of freshly ground ginger can stop the pain before it starts.
However, particularly high dose of magnesium can lead to nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure and many other unpleasant side effects, so do not take more than the RDA (recommended daily allowance) in your supplement.
All vitamins are vital for our health. However, we will focus on Vitamin D supplements and their benefits. The easiest way to obtain Vitamin D is exposure to the sun. Vitamin D controls the levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. Deficiency of this vitamin may cause rickets, liver and kidney diseases.
Fish oils, cod liver oils are the best sources of Vitamin D. Therefore, seafood eaters won’t have to worry about this deficiency. In some countries, all dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D so that the risk of its deficiency is less. Vitamin D supplements play an important role in reducing cancer since its intake kills cancer cells.
Magnesium deficiency — What Depletes Magnesium?
What Depletes Magnesium?
Heavy metals in the body, i.e., Aluminum (in food & drink containers, baking powder, antiperspirants) blocks many normal magnesium functions. Unfortunately, a staple of our society’s diet is white flour, and 85% of it’s magnesium has been removed.
Our high consumption of fats and proteins inhibits magnesium absorption. Environmental pollutants (air, soil & water), emotional stresses and many prescription drugs all aggravate magnesium depletion.
Over 80% or more of the United States population is deficient in magnesium, including many who take supplements regularly. These folks may still think that regular magnesium supplements will fix magnesium deficiency. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Anxiety, stress, depression, the stress of our modern lifestyle, whether chemical, environmental or mental, depletes magnesium reserves far more rapidly than was previously realized.
The following is a list of magnesium depletors. The more dominant they are in your life, the more magnesium your body will need.
- Sugar
- High sodium diet
- Mental stress
- Physical stress
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Low thyroid
- Chronic pain
- Diuretics
- Cola-type sodas
- A high calcium diet
- Tobacco
- High perspiration
- Medical drugs of all types
- A high carbohydrate diet
- Death of a family member
How can Calcium deplete magnesium? Well, Excess calcium can become a real problem. Excess magnesium, on the other hand, is impossible.
Excess calcium combined with low magnesium will create osteoporosis and fragile bones.So, take even more transdermal Magnesium to build strong bones.
Nutrition in Elderly Residents
According to the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan in the study of the nutritional intake of elderly residents in long term care facilities, it was found that even those consuming a regular healthy diet may not be receiving their daily nutritional requirements.
Inadequacies were found in over 70% of the participants. Deficiencies were found in folate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins E and B6. The conclusion of this study suggests that nutrient-dense foods may not provide the nutritional requirements.
The Effect of Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium in Treating Hypertension
Research continues in the treatment of hypertension. Many pharmaceutical drugs are currently used, but many studies continue in more natural approaches to treating this potentially dangerous condition. Diet is one of the primary focal points in understanding and treating hypertension. Studies show that in some cases an increase in potassium, magnesium and calcium have reduced blood pressure in hypertension patients. In a study conducted at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN, the findings proved positive that a high intake of these minerals can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease and stroke.
How are magnesium levels measured in the body?
· Blood tests
· Red Blood cell magnesium levels
· Body Tissue intracellular levels can be tested by scrapping cells from under the tongue. This gives levels for the entire body, not just the quantity of magnesium in the blood.
What are some of the symptoms of a severe magnesium deficiency? There are many possible symptoms: restless leg syndrome, cramps in the muscles, uterine cramping, and migraine headaches are a few of the possible results of a low magnesium level.
How is it possible for magnesium deficiencies to have such a wide range of symptoms? Simple – magnesium is vital for over 300 enzyme reactions in the human body.
Magnesium and Overall Health
Magnesium is an important mineral for the brain, heart, in fact the entire body. Countless studies over the past 15 years have proven this fact, over and over.
Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to heart issues, mental disorders and depression, fatigue and chronic pain, skin disorders, and more.
It is sad that our health care providers often overlook such an available, vital nutrient. Nutrition is the most basic starting point to maintaining good health and well-being.
When Should We Boost our Magnesium Intake?
Recovery from any illness should be a trigger to increase nutritional intake, to replenish supplies depleted through that illness or long-term stressful situation. (A good source of magnesium oil, gel and salt is found here: http://www.subtleenergytherapy.org/
Alcohol intake also depletes our supply of magnesium along with other vital vitamins and nutrients. If you are a casual drinker you are likely to have a magnesium deficiency.
Chronic drinkers or alcoholics are liekly to have a severe magnesium deficiency. Medications can also diminish our absorption, or deplete our supply of magnesium. Antacids and laxatives, on the other hand, contain magnesium, and excessive use can elevate magnesium levels. Any prescription and over-the-counter medication should be discussed with your HCP or pharmacist.
Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting will result in a magnesium depletion. Diabetes will also affect and lower your levels of MgCl2.
Your kidneys will compensate for a lower magnesium level by limiting the amount of magnesium excreted through the urine, but chronic deficiency cannot be compensated for over the long run.
As always it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider.
Does Magnesium Deficiency Affect Other Mineral Levels?
A severe deficiency in magnesium has been tied to a low level of calcium in the blood. This is known as hypocalcemia. Calcium is vital for all cellular health. Our heart depends on calcium, and of course our bones. Calcium does not work alone, it depends on magnesium for proper absorption into the cells.
Magnesium deficiency has also been linked to a low level of potassium, another of our primary, necessary electrolytes. A low level of potassium in the blood is known as hypokalemia.
Magnesium Deficiency: Fact or Fallacy?
We are told, clearly and plainly, that many U.S. residents are deficient in magnesium. We are told, clearly, in simple terms, that magnesium is vital in our diets, supporting over 300 normal body functions. It’s been determined that the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency are “rarely seen”, yet we continue in the rise of both physical and mental health issues in our general population.
It is commonly known in the medical community that disorders in the gastrointestinal system impair our ability to absorb magnesium from our dietary sources. In addition, these deficiencies and the impairments they cause further deplete our supply of magnesium! It appears to be a losing battle, and the casualties are numerous: loss of vitality, fatigue, poor heart function, high blood pressure, blood sugar issues, mental wellness issues, and the list goes on.
If we cannot obtain the magnesium we need through dietary intake, and absorption through our digestive tract, then how do we increase our levels of this necessary nutrient? Magnesium can be administered through an I.V., but that is costly and requires medical assistance. Magnesium has been found to be absorbed through the skin, aka through transdermal application. The use of transdermal magnesium oil, gel, or a magnesium bath provides an easily absorbed and assimilated form of food-grade magnesium, quickly, easily, painlessly.
