Magnesium

Used For...

• Asthma

Effectiveness =B Safety =A

• Attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Effectiveness =B Safety =A

• Cardiovascular disease

Effectiveness =B+ Safety =A

• Diabetes

Effectiveness =B Safety =A

• Fibromyalgia

Effectiveness =B+ Safety =A

• Kidney stones

Effectiveness =A Safety =A

• Premenstrual syndrome

Effectiveness =B+ Safety =A

General Information

Magnesium is second only to potassium in terms of concentration within the individual cells of the body. The functions of magnesium primarily revolve around its ability to activate many enzymes.

Magnesium deficiency is extremely common in Americans, particularly in the geriatric population and in women during the premenstrual period. Deficiency is often secondary to factors that reduce absorption or increase secretion of magnesium, such as high calcium intake, alcoholism, surgery, diuretics, liver disease, kidney disease and oral contraceptive use.

Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, weakness, heart disturbances, problems in nerve conduction and muscle contraction, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, insomnia and a predisposition to stress,

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Magnesium promotes relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscles; as a result, airways open and breathing is made easier. Intravenous magnesium is a well-proven and clinically accepted measure to halt an acute asthma attack as well as acute flare-ups of COPD. Unfortunately, long term oral magnesium supplementation has not been fully evaluated in the treatment of asthma or COPD

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) with hyperactivity

Magnesium deficiency may play a role in ADD, as research indicates many children with ASS have lower levels of magnesium. In a preliminary study, magnesium reduced hyperactivity in children with ADD with hyperactivity. In the study, fifty ADD children with low magnesium (as determined by red blood cell, hair and serum levels of magnesium) were given 200 mg of magnesium per day for six months. Compared with twenty-five other magnesium-deficient ADD children, those given magnesium supplementation had a significant decrease in hyperactivity behavior.

Cardiovascular disease

Magnesium is absolutely essential in the proper functioning of the heart. Magnesium's role in preventing heart disease and strokes is generally well accepted. In addition, there is a substantial body of knowledge demonstrating that magnesium supplementation is effective in treating a wide range of cardiovascular diseases such as angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failureand high blood pressure.

Diabetes

Magnesium is known to play a central role in the secretion and action of insulin. Several studies in patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance have shown magnesium to be of value. Magnesium supplementation (usually 400 to 500 mg per day) improves insulin response and action, glucose tolerance and the fluidity of the red blood cell membrane. In addition, magnesium levels are usually low in diabetics and lowest in those with severe retinopathy. Diabetics appear to have higher magnesium requirements.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a recently recognized disorder regarded as a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. One study demonstrated that a daily supplement of 300 to 600 mg of magnesium resulted in tremendous improvements in the number and severity of tender points.

Kidney stones

Magnesium increases the solubility of calcium in the urine, thereby preventing kidney stone formation. Supplementing magnesium in the diet has demonstrated significant effect in preventing recurrences of kidney stones. However, when used in conjunction with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), an even greater effect is noted.

Premenstrual syndrome

Magnesium deficiency has been suggested as a causative factor in premenstrual syndrome. While magnesium has been shown to be effective on its own, even better results may be achieved by combing it with vitamin B6 and other nutrients. Several studies have shown that when PMS patients are given a multivitamin-mineral supplement containing high doses of magnesium and vitamin B6, they experience a better reduction in PMS symptoms compared to the results seen in studies with magnesium alone.Aron Bryant, naturalwire.com. Natural Remedies for Over 70 Common Health Conditions