You probably know you need calcium for your bones
You may also know you need potassium for your muscles
But did you know that magnesium is important for your heart health?
==MAGNESIUM==
A mineral that is essential for hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body. It helps keep bones strong, nerves and muscles working properly, and blood sugar under control.
Magnesium is also necessary for maintaining a STEADY HEARTBEAT and NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE
Magnesium Sources and Function
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, and approximately half of your body's magnesium is stored in your bones. Most of the rest of the magnesium is found inside of cells and organs, but a small amount circulates through your body in the blood. Magnesium keeps your nerves and muscles working properly, supports your immune system and regulates your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Green vegetables, some legumes, whole grains and "hard" tap water all provide magnesium.
Magnesium Deficiency
If you do not get enough magnesium in your diet, it can cause a variety of problems. Early signs of magnesium deficiency include nausea, vomiting and weakness. As the deficiency gets worse, your nerves and muscles can be affected, causing numbness, tingling and muscle spasms. Your heart can also be affected, resulting in an arrhythmia. A lack of magnesium can also cause the amount of calcium in your blood to drop, leading to an irregular heartbeat.
Magnesium as Arrhythmia Treatment
Because magnesium plays such a pivotal role in controlling your heart rhythm, it is sometimes given intravenously in hospitals to patients who are experiencing heart trouble. This helps prevent a type of arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation. People who have congestive heart failure also have an increased chance of developing an irregular heartbeat. If you have congestive heart failure, your doctor may tell you to take a magnesium supplement.
Toxicity
Although magnesium supplements may help you keep your heart rhythm normal, too much magnesium can be toxic. One of the earliest signs of magnesium toxicity is diarrhea. Magnesium toxicity can also cause low blood pressure, confusion, lethargy, poor kidney function and abnormalities in your heart rate. Talk to expert before taking any sort of supplement that contains magnesium so that you do not accidentally overdose.
You might be magnesium deficient if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Anxiety
- Autism
- ADD
- Palpitations
- Angina
- Constipation
- Anal spasms
- Headaches
- Migrains
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Asthma
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- PMS
- Menstrual cramps
- Irritable bladder
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Reflux
- Trouble swallowing
Magnesium deficiency has even has been linked to inflammation in the body and higher CRP levels.
Testimonial #1
Q. I used to take verapamil for occasional supraventricular tachycardia. Four years ago I switched to magnesium, alternating 250 mg one day, 500 mg the next.
No more irregular heart rhythm. In addition, I sleep better and have no more constipation. Since I have no prescription insurance, I have saved myself a lot of money!
A.A study that provided women with less than half the RDA for magnesium (which is 320 mg/day) found that while on the reduced regimen they had significantly more supraventricular beats (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2002). Magnesium also is known to be effective against constipation.
No more irregular heart rhythm. In addition, I sleep better and have no more constipation. Since I have no prescription insurance, I have saved myself a lot of money!
A.A study that provided women with less than half the RDA for magnesium (which is 320 mg/day) found that while on the reduced regimen they had significantly more supraventricular beats (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2002). Magnesium also is known to be effective against constipation.