Magnesium is a mineral that the body needs to perform close to 300 reactions. This includes, but is not limited to: muscle and nerve functioning, maintaining a regular heart rhythm, supporting the immune system, building strong bones, and regulating other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, and Vitamin D. We can find this essential mineral in foods like green vegetables, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed whole grains. If you are not eating any of these foods consistently, it is likely that you are deficient in this essential mineral. Here are some conditions that you may not know are negatively affected by a lack of magnesium:
- Autism and ADHD: Low magnesium levels lead to poor control of emotions and hyper activity. A healthy blend of magnesium and Vitamin B-6 improve some clinical symptoms such as social interaction and communication, physical aggression, and the inability to focus/pay attention. When supplementation with Vitamin B-6 and magnesium was terminated during a clinical trial, symptoms worsened.
- Insomnia: Lack of magnesium in the diet promotes poor sleep quality. Magnesium acts like melatonin and helps to prevent insomnia and restless leg syndrome.
- Depression: A magnesium deficiency causes damage to receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating our mood. Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation has similar effects of an anti-depressant.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Magnesium promotes the production of good bacteria in the gut. There is also speculation that it assists with the prevention of stomach ulcers. When magnesium levels are low, we are more likely to experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
While magnesium deficiency is common, there are some medications that further increase the risk. The low levels induced by medications can cause sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS, and asthma. Below are some medications that are known to reduce magnesium in the body:
- Antacids/ulcer medications
- Antibiotics
- Female hormones
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Diuretics
- Antiviral agents
As you can see, magnesium is a crucial mineral for the body that is not often discussed by health professionals. Some of the conditions for which we take medication could actually be making things worse.
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