Magnesium Health Watch

We’ve discussed the benefits of magnesium in addressing many conditions including migraines, restless leg syndrome, diabetes and stress.  Now, a recent research study shows that magnesium may also figure into treatments for age-related memory decline.  Using a magnesium compound, Magnesium-L-threonate (MgT) in laboratory studies with rats, researchers found that MgT helped stimulate areas of the brain that have to do with spatial navigation and long term memory, and also boosted memory recall.
The study also indicated that only 32% of Americans get the recommended daily allowance of magnesium.  (This figure varies widely but this one seems fairly accurate).

Magnesium May Improve Memory (WebMD)

Restless Leg Syndrome is one of several sleep disorders that has been scientifically linked to low magnesium and magnesium deficiency.  Studies have shown that increasing magnesium intake in patients with sleep disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome has improved their insomnia.  Magnesium supplements, along with calcium, helped improve the quality of sleep as well as shortened the time for patients to fall asleep.

“According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota, “Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s chemistry that regulates sleep. This may be why persons with long-term lack of sleep, or abnormal brain waves during deep sleep, often have low magnesium in their blood…”

Restless Leg Syndrome Linked To Magnesium Deficiency.

With today’s economic stresses, there is a greater risk for vitamin and mineral deficiency.  One way this happens is through alcohol consumption.  Oftentimes people under financial stress will reach for alcohol to help curb their anxiety.  Unfortunately, high alcohol consumption can cause a magnesium depletion in the body.  (This condition is often associated with alcoholism).

What happens when you’re magnesium deficient?  Problems range from poor sleep to fatigue, depression and even poor blood circulation.  These things only contribute to existing stresses and a vicious cycle of mineral depletion and potentially harmful conditions ensues.

“The vicious circle of economic stress, lack of sleep, diminished immunity and magnesium depletion is evident upon an examination of the medical literature.

• Animals placed on a magnesium deficient diet will commonly develop disorganized sleep and periods of wakefulness. [Neuropsychobiology 27: 237–45, 1993]
• Sleep problems occur more frequently as adults age, making it increasingly difficult to deal with stress. Studies show magnesium supplementation partially reverses age-related sleep abnormalities. [Pharmacopsychiatry 35: 135–43, 2002]
• Chronic mental or physical stress may serve as a trigger for a heart attack or a stroke. A study of college students who were sleep deprived while studying for final exams found that stress cut the concentration of magnesium in red blood cells in half and impaired the ability of blood vessels to widen (dilate) to control blood pressure. [Clinical Cardiology 27: 223–27, 2004]“

Magnesium: Survival Mineral for a Stress-Filled World by Bill Sardi.

Whether you get your dietary magnesium through magnesium-rich foods or supplements, your nutritional intake directly affects your nervous system and ability for muscles to relax.  Having a properly functioning muscular and nervous systems is important in fighting stress and depression.

Magnesium supplements can help you get the necessary calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other nutrients you need every day.   Some of these supplements also have a uniquely calming and restorative effect.  One of the most easily absorbed and tasty magnesium supplements is
Natural Calm by Peter Gillham’s Natural Vitality. Peter Gillham is a clinical nutritionist, chemist, as well as a pioneer in the field of nutritional research.  His work has highlighted the importance of proper nutrition for fighting conditions such as stress, depression, fatigue, PMS and insomnia.

Here’s what Healthnews says about the relationship between magnesium and stress:

“Magnesium depletion—as it’s called—is caused by many small things such as alcohol, smoking, sweating too much, drug use, hypothyroidism (low production of metabolism), diabetes, sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, or calcium-filled diets, and finally stress.

Stress can cause over- or undereating and trigger depression which can lead to a low metabolism with inactivity. It can also increase bad habits such as smoking and drinking, which tend to lead to bigger health issues such as cancer and heart disease.”

Magnesium: The Stress Buster.

Fortunately for vegetarians, many vegetables contain high levels of minerals, particularly magnesium.  But this doesn’t mean that vegetarians shouldn’t be aware of magnesium deficiency, a condition which affects millions of Americans. This article at Savvy Vegetarian discusses the importance of magnesium as part of a vegetarian diet.  It also provides some interesting information on mineral content in drinking water.

“Health conscious vegetarians are often inclined to drink lots of water, and herbal teas*, made with water. They are generally concerned with the quality of drinking water, as are sensible people everywhere. That may lead to the use of distilled or Reverse Osmosis treated water, both of which strip all minerals from the water. The mineral deficient water that you drink, or cook with, pulls minerals from your food and your body, instead of adding them.”

Magnesium An Important Nutrient for Vegetarian Health.