Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation (1).

Functions Of Magnesium (2)

Excretory - prevention of kidney stones

Digestive -laxative

Nervous -maintains nerve conduction

Muscular -prevents tissue calcification, needed for muscle contraction

Skeletal -required for bone formation

Metabolic -required for energy production, for glucose and fat metabolism, and for protein synthesis

Detoxification -required for liver activity

Magnesium and Heart Health

Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heart. Adequate magnesium can alleviate heart palpitations (3). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the benefits of magnesium in regards to the heart; as keeping heart rhythm stead (like antiarrhythmic A-Fib meds), maintaining a healthy blood pressure and overall reduction of cardiovascular mortality (4)

The Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Magnesium (5)

The absorption of magnesium is affected by phytates (6) found in grains, fluoride, phosphorus, and low-protein diet all of which interfere with magnesium absorption. All these factors interfere with the absorption of magnesium, even when adequate amounts of magnesium are consumed.

The utilization of calcium in the body is affected by drinking alcohol and eating junk food, both of which lower magnesium levels.

High Magnesium levels on an HTMA

When magnesium levels are high on a HTMA, magnesium is lost through the hair and results in magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium is a relaxant mineral explaining why anxiety and other related symptoms such as hyper-irritability are present when a magnesium deficiency exists.

High levels of magnesium on an HTMA also indicate a slow oxidation rate, fatigue, and depression.

Low Magnesium levels on an HTMA

When magnesium levels are low, there is often an association between fast oxidation, anxiety, and irritability. One may tend to be high strung when magnesium is low.

As you can see supplementation of magnesium may be needed if an HTMA indicates either high or low levels of magnesium since both may indicate a magnesium deficiency.

Mineral Balancing Program Design

A proper Mineral Balancing program is not “replacement” therapy.

The magic of a properly designed Mineral Balancing program exists when supplementation is not based on replacing minerals that are low on an HTMA test and eliminating recommendations for minerals that are elevated. Understanding the synergy of minerals and how they respond to one’s diet, lifestyle and other factors are important when a program is created.

Some reasons for magnesium supplementation may be recommended when there is a calcium shell as magnesium is an antagonist to calcium. Magnesium supplementation can also help with sleep, relieve constipation, raise low sodium levels, regulate heart function, and assist in the prevention of calcium buildup in the bones.

Contact me for more information regarding magnesium or how you can use the HTMA to heal and find your way to optimal wellness.

The entire contents of this website/article are based upon the opinions of Doreen McCafferty NLC, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Doreen McCafferty, NLC and her community. Doreen McCafferty encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. All information in this article is for educational purposes only and not designed to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.