The Importance of Magnesium ~~ Part 2

Magnesium is utilized by the body for all sorts of detoxification pathways and is necessary for the neutralization of toxins, overly acidic conditions that arise in the body & from protection from heavy metals. It plays a vital role in protecting us from the onslaught of man-made chemicals all around us. Glutathione, an antioxidant normally produced by the body & a detoxifier of mercury, lead and arsenic among others, requires magnesium for its synthesis. A deficiency of magnesium increases free radical generation in the body & causes glutathione loss, which is not affordable because glutathione helps to defend the body against damage from cigarette smoking, exposure to radiation, cancer chemotherapy, toxins such as alcohol and just about everything else.

When our bodies are abundant with magnesium (and in balance with other essential minerals) we are protected from heavy metal deposition and the development of associated neurological diseases. Research indicates that ample magnesium will protect brain cells from the damaging effects of aluminum, beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury & nickel. We also know that low levels of brain magnesium contribute to the deposition of heavy metals in the brain that can cause Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It appears metals compete with magnesium for entry into the brain cells. If Mg is low, metals gain access much more readily. There is also competition in the small intestine for absorption of minerals. If there is enough Mg, aluminum won't be absorbed.

For the average person, magnesium supplementation is safe to experiment with on your own, especially if you know you have symptoms that could be related to Mg deficiency or are under extra stress, etc. Excess magnesium is excreted in urine & the stools, and the most common response to too much Mg is loose stools. Those with renal insufficiency or kidney disease, extremely slow heart rate or bowel obstruction should avoid magnesium therapy.

General dosage recommendations range from about 3-10 mg per lb. of body weight, depending upon physical condition, requirements for growth (as in children) and degree of symptoms.

Oral magnesium supplements are available in organic salt chelates, such as magnesium citrate and magnesium malate and are fairy easily absorbed into the body. It is important to divide your dosage during the day so that you do not load your body with too much Mg in any single dose. Dr. Dean recommends taking your first dose in the morning & another in later afternoon --  these correspond to times when magnesium levels are low in the body. Is it just a coincidence that these times of low magnesium and low energy also correspond to the cultural rituals of morning coffee & afternoon tea?

Loose stools indicate you are not absorbing the magnesium & therefore it is acting as a laxative. When the Mg travels through your intestines in less than 12 hrs, it is merely excreted rather than absorbed. If you cannot overcome the laxative effect by varying your doses, you may want to try an oral supplement that is chelated to an amino acid, such as magnesium taurate & magnesium glycinate, which some consider to be better absorbed than the salt forms. For those who need a little help with digestion, such as young children, older adults and anyone with reduced stomach acid or bowel dysbiosis, consider homeopathic magnesium, also referred to as tissue salts or cell salts. Magnesia phosphorica 6X is the appropriate dosage & it works to usher magnesium into the cells where it belongs. It is also indicated as a remedy for muscle spasms and cramps of many varieties. Mag phos can help reduce and eliminate loose stools while your are supplementing with oral magnesium, giving you a positive sign that your body is indeed taking the magnesium into the cells.

Another potential way to get more magnesium into your system is via the pleasant method of soaking in a bath of magnesium sulfate, otherwise known as Epsom salts. Commonly used to ease muscle aches & pains, magnesium sulfate also helps with detoxification when sulfur is needed by the body for this purpose. When used intravenously, magnesium sulfate can save lives in such crises as acute asthma attack, onset of myocardial infarction and eclampsia in pregnancy.

A couple of cups of Epsom salts added to a hot bath will induce sweating and detoxification, after the water cools a bit, the body will then absorb the magnesium sulfate. According to Mark Sircus, the effects from a bath of Epsom salts, although pleasant, are brief as magnesium sulfate is difficult to assimilate and is rapidly lost in the urine. Magnesium chloride, which can also be used in baths, is more easily assimilated and metabolized and so less is needed for absorption.

Finally, magnesium may be applied topically in a form commonly called magnesium 'oil'. This is actually not an oil at all, but a supersaturated concentration of magnesium chloride and water. It does feel oily and slippery when applied to the skin, but it absorbs quickly, leaving a slightly tacky, 'sea salt' reside that can be washed off. There are many advantages to transdermal magnesium therapy, since the gastrointestinal tract is avoided altogether, there is no laxative effect.

It is likely safe to say that most people would benefit from an increased supply of magnesium in their diets, especially in these times of so many dietary, environmental and social stressors. Of course the first priority is to eat a varied diet of whole plant and animal foods from the best sources nearest to you. Adding extra magnesium, however, might be the missing nutritional link to help guard against heart disease, stroke, depression, osteoporosis and many other disorders. In the prevention and alleviation of these diseases, magnesium can truly be miraculous.


Resources: internet, WestonAPrice.org, Mark Sircus, Dr. Carolyn Dean.