Part 2 Magnesium: The Mighty Mineral That Can Help Fight Chronic Health Issues
In the overview of magnesium, we learned it is an essential mineral our bodies need to function properly. It is crucial in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. But did you know magnesium can also help fight chronic health issues, including cancer, cardiac diseases like atrial fibrillations and high blood pressure, neuropathy, and sleep disorders?
And in part 1, we learned of eight reasons we are deficient in the critical mineral, from not being available in our food, medication depletions, and excessive stress, just to name a few.
In this article, we’ll explore how magnesium improves these conditions and supports the body’s natural detoxification process.
Cancer Prevention
Magnesium may protect against certain types of cancer. For example, one study found that women with higher magnesium intake had a lower risk of developing colon cancer. Another study found that men with higher levels of magnesium in their blood were less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. While more research is needed, magnesium may have anti-cancer properties.
Researchers have now shown in mice how magnesium improves the ability of the immune system to eliminate infected and cancerous cells. Their analysis of data from clinical studies also suggests that low serum levels of the substance are associated with worse outcomes in cancer treatment. [1]
“Experts define magnesium as an ‘essential macromineral,’ meaning people need to consume it in relatively large amounts to remain healthy.” [1]
Cardiac Health
I first came across magnesium in medicine as it is commonly used in EMS (emergency medical services) and emergency rooms to treat heart conditions such as a fib, ventricular arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.
Magnesium plays a critical role in the regulation of heart function by helping to control the heart’s rhythm and reducing the risk of abnormal heartbeats. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, which allows the blood vessels to dilate and improve blood flow to the heart.
Studies have shown that magnesium can be effective in treating various heart conditions. For example, one study found that intravenous magnesium can significantly reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing heart surgery. Another study found that magnesium can help to reduce the frequency and severity of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with congestive heart failure.
In addition to its role in regulating heart function, magnesium also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are key factors in the development of heart disease. It also helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls, which can improve blood flow and reduce the workload on the heart.
Studies have also found that magnesium can help lower blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. One study found that people who took magnesium supplements for six months significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, and pain. Magnesium may be able to help alleviate these symptoms. One study found that magnesium supplements improved symptoms in people with diabetic neuropathy. Another study found that magnesium may effectively treat neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy. [2]
“Benefits of Mg supplementation on metabolic profile in diabetic subjects have been found in most, but not all clinical studies and larger prospective studies are needed to support the potential role of dietary Mg supplementation as a possible public health strategy in diabetes risk.” [3]
Sleep
Calming effect: Magnesium can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, leading to better sleep. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, it can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Magnesium can help reduce those feelings, allowing you to relax and drift off more easily.
Regulation of melatonin: Magnesium is key in regulating the body’s melatonin levels, a hormone that helps control the sleep-wake cycle. Approximately 5% of melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland, impacting sleep. The rest of the body’s melatonin is produced in the mitochondria of all other cells and influences glucose metabolism. [4] Melatonin is just now being found to be miraculous, with very little being understood. I will write a lot more on the topic, but for now, magnesium is needed to regulate melatonin.
Muscle relaxation: Magnesium can help relax muscles, which makes it easier to fall asleep and reduces the likelihood of waking up during the night due to muscle cramps or spasms. This is especially helpful for people who experience restless leg syndrome or other conditions that cause muscle tension or pain.
Improved sleep quality: Magnesium can also help improve sleep quality, leading to more restful nights. When you get high-quality sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed and energized, and you’re more likely to be productive and focused during the day.
In addition to its sleep-promoting effects, magnesium can also have an impact on cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the body’s stress response, and high levels of cortisol can interfere with sleep and contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders. Magnesium can help regulate the production and release of cortisol, and research suggests that magnesium supplementation may help reduce cortisol levels in individuals experiencing stress or anxiety.
For example, a study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research found that daily magnesium supplementation reduced cortisol levels in adults with mild-to-moderate anxiety. Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that magnesium supplementation helped improve mood and reduced cortisol levels in adults with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Detoxification
Being deficient in magnesium can cause calcium entry into cells, which can harm their range of functions.
It can also reduce the cells’ ability to remove toxins and heavy metals. The body will struggle to detox without appropriate levels of magnesium.
This can result in decreased energy levels and even cell death.
Magnesium plays a critical role in the body’s natural detoxification process. It helps regulate enzymes involved in detoxification, and it helps remove toxins from the body. One study found that magnesium can help improve liver function in people with liver disease, which can help the body detoxify more efficiently.
Magnesium is a mighty mineral that can significantly impact our overall health. From preventing cancer to improving sleep and supporting the body’s natural detoxification process, magnesium is crucial in keeping our bodies functioning correctly. If you’re concerned about your magnesium levels, talk to your doctor about testing and supplement options.
Magnesium Overview https://meandmcgeemarket.com/magnesium-overview/
Part 1 Magnesium Deficiencies: Eight Reasons Why They’re So Common https://meandmcgeemarket.com/part-1-magnesium-deficiencies-eight-reasons-why-theyre-so-common/
References
[2] https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/593347419/managing-neuropathic-pain-with-magnesium
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16808892/