1. The magnesium content of food decreased approximately 50% from 1900 to 2000.   This decrease is a consequence of food processing, loss of soil and loss of minerals in the soil.   Currently magnesium in the diet is at best 50% of the recommended daily allowance.

2. Water is a primary source of magnesium.   Intake of hard water due to its high magnesium content is associated with lower blood pressure.   Natives who move to urban areas have an increased incidence of high blood pressure and heart disease due to a decrease in magnesium in their food and water.

3. In a study of over 7000 subjects (Honolulu Heart Program), men whose daily intake of magnesium exceeded 320 mg had only 4 cases of heart disease per 1000 compared to 7 cases per 1000 with an intake less than 180mg.

4. Magnesium absorption is decreased, and/or magnesium loss is increased, by coffee, alcohol, phosphates (e.g., in dark sodas) and by calcium.

5. Magnesium, not calcium, is the principal mineral required for healthy bones.   Magnesium sufficiency promotes deposition of calcium in bones.   Magnesium deficiency results in calcium deposition in soft tissues.   Plaque in arteries is 50% calcium, only 3% cholesterol.

6. Magnesium regulates nerves and muscles.   In addition to high blood pressure, magnesium deficiency results in excitability, irritability, inability to relax and muscle cramping.

7. Magnesium deficiency also results in decreased levels of neurotransmitters (messengers in the brain).   Therefore magnesium deficiency contributes to sleep disturbances and depression.

8. Magnesium is a very effective “calcium channel blocker.”   Medications that block calcium channels are prescribed regularly for hypertension and heart disease.   Nine million prescriptions for calcium channel blockers were written in 2000 ($4.5 billion).   Top selling calcium channel blockers are Norvasc, Procardia and Cardizem.

9. The degree of magnesium deficiency is proportionate to elevations in insulin. High insulin, known as hyperinsulinism, poses a serious risk for developing diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.   Cardiovascular disease and hypertension commonly occur in both of these disorders.

10. Magnesium is essential for DNA repair.   Damaged DNA contributes to the development of cancer.

11. Magnesium facilitates calcium absorption and retention.   On the other hand high calcium intake interferes with magnesium absorption.

12. Without sufficient magnesium, calcium accumulates in cells causing cell death.   Studies have found an increased rate of death in populations with a high calcium intake.   See The Truth About Calcium.

    Five Reasons to Take HEQ Magnesium Plus
    Instead of Magnesium Salts.
    
    MAGNESIUM
    according to Health Equations
    
    THE TRUTH ABOUT CALCIUM

© Health Equations 2008

PRINT

CLOSE WINDOW