Magnesium – fixes almost everything?

Magnesium is probably my favourite supplement and is becoming every practitioners best friend! As we get older our bodies become less efficient at absorbing minerals. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, so we require plenty of it to be replenished.

Magnesium is used by every organ in the body to build DNA and for detoxification. In our culture today we tend to consume too much calcium and not enough magnesium. This is what causes our muscles to go into spasm and has been linked to heart attacks. The calcium causes the heart muscles to contract and there isn’t enough magnesium to allow it to relax again.

Unfortunately, it’s being farmed out of the soil over the years so even though it is found in green vegetables the quality is not as potent as it once was. So it’s more important than ever to eat plenty of rich green vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, avocados and seaweed to top up your magnesium. In most cases we require a supplement (preferably powder form) to be sure you’re receiving a good dose and the right absorption.

There’s new evidence to show that magnesium L-threonate is better absorbed and has amazing cell penetration. This is important because the majority of our magnesium lives in our cells not in our blood (this is why blood tests rarely show magnesium deficiency). Whichever source you use make sure it doesn’t contain too many unnecessary types of filler – Vitamin D, Vitamin K2 and calcium also help magnesium absorption.

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Within the clinic I see so many ailments easily remedied with a daily dose of magnesium powder. Most common are headaches, constipation, insomnia and nervousness. There’s plenty of evidence showing a long list of issues caused by magnesium deficiency including:

• asthma
• blood clots
• bowel disease
• cystitis
• depression
• diabetes
• heart disease
• hypertention
• hypoglycemia
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• migraine
• nerve problems
• PMS, infertility, pre-eclampsia
• osteroporosis
• Renauds disease
• tooth decay

Common symptoms we see in the clinic are:

• fatigue
• weakness
• eye twitches
• muscle spasms
• abnormal heart rhythms
• headaches

It is also important to note that too much sugar causes our body to excrete magnesium through the kidneys leading to deficiency. Other than foods and supplements, magnesium can be absorbed through the skin by doing epsom baths and using oil a few times a week. Ask your practitioner if you could benefit from some form of magnesium supplementation.

Dr Julie Rani Vecera is a Chinese Medical Practitioner, Nutritional Advisor and Acupuncturist. She is available for private consultations in various locations in Melbourne or via Skype. For more information please contact bumpcarlton.com.au or fertilitylifestyleprogram.com