By Mimi Tagher, LAc, LMT
MAGNESIUM IS AN ESSENTIAL MINERAL for staying healthy and is required for more than 300 bio-chemical reactions in the body, Roughly 50% of total body magnesium is stored in our bones. The remaining part is predominantly found in the cells of body tissues and organ. Though only 1% of magnesium is available in the blood, the human body strives to keep the levels constant to maintain a state of balance.
Magnesium’s impact on the body is crucial and far reaching. Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium; it is needed for the transmission of nerve impulses; it is necessary for muscle function; it aids in body temperature regulation, rhythmical heartbeat, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth. Other health benefits of magnesium include protein synthesis, relief from bronchospasm, and improvement of parathyroid function. It boosts the bioavailability of vitamin B6 and cholesterol, improves muscle functioning, and helps prevent osteoporosis, insomnia, constipation, heart attacks, hypertension, constipation, migraines, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, kidney stones and gallstones, to name just a few.
Roughly 70 percent of all Americans do not consume the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of magnesium, RDA is 420 mg for adult males and 320 mg for adult females. Remember, the RDA is intended to make sure the American population gets “the bare minimum” in nutrition to avoid such diseases as rickets, scurvy, anemia, and beriberi; it is NOT about achieving optimal health. Good dietary sources of magnesium include kelp, wild rice, rye, nuts, whole grains, wheat germ, tofu, and green leafy vegetables.
The Standard American Diet (SAD) of meat, potatoes, refined grains and sugars has resulted in an epidemic of nutritional deficiency, obesity and chronic illness. Even those who eat organic, whole foods are in danger of deficiency because of the depletion of minerals in the soil. In other words, it is very difficult to get enough magnesium from our food alone. Carbonated beverages, sugar, coffee, caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and stress all contribute to depleting the magnesium level in the body. Some medications such as diuretics, birth control pills, estrogen replacements, and heart and asthma medication can also affect magnesium levels, so check with Mimi or Tommy to see if Magnesium would be beneficial for you.
We carry some of the highest quality, most bio-available magnesium. Ask your practitioner about them at your next visit!
Article by Mimi Tagher, LAc, LMT
Mimi Tagher is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and Oriental Medicine. She received her Masters Degree from The International Institute of Chinese Medicine. Mimi is also a Biodynamic Craniosacral teacher and practitioner, and a licensed massage therapist. Her specialty is combining acupuncture with craniosacral therapy to help balance the body physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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