How to Improve Low Magnesium Levels and Finally Achieve Optimal Health
Magnesium
About ten years ago, I ended up in the hospital. My day had gone pretty well, and I did not have any symptoms of anything going wrong. The day ended, and I went to bed. I woke up a couple of hours later to use the bathroom and fell to the floor. The room was spinning out of control, and I could not walk. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, thinking I may be having a stroke or something else horrible.
In the hospital emergency room, the doctor’s tested my electrolytes, and my magnesium was .03. The normal range for this particular test should have been between 1.3 to 2.1. I spent the next three days in the hospital being pumped with magnesium through an iv. Even a week later, I was still feeling dizzy. Ever since those scary days, I have made it my mission to figure out the best way for me to supplement my magnesium and keep my levels optimum. I was a vegan after having cancer, and all of the fruits and vegetables I was eating were insufficient.
What is magnesium used for in our bodies?
Magnesium is essential for life. It is in every cell in our body.
Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function. Research suggests that high magnesium levels may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This means that we are not getting enough magnesium in our diet.
Low magnesium levels can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, leg cramps, insomnia, osteoporosis, migraines, depression, and even cancer.
Magnesium is an essential element required as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions and is thus necessary for the biochemical functioning of numerous metabolic pathways. Inadequate magnesium status may impair biochemical processes dependent on sufficiency of this element. Emerging evidence confirms that nearly two-thirds of the population in the western world is not achieving the recommended daily allowance for magnesium, a deficiency problem contributing to various health conditions.
The Importance of Magnesium Supplementation in Cancer
Magnesium plays a vital role in many bodily functions, and its importance extends to cancer prevention and treatment. Adequate magnesium levels help regulate cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell growth, and apoptosis (programmed cell death), which are essential in preventing the uncontrolled cell division seen in cancer. Magnesium also supports a healthy immune system, which is crucial for fighting off cancerous cells.
Low magnesium levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, as magnesium deficiency can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and weakened immune response—all factors that contribute to cancer progression. Additionally, magnesium supplementation may enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by supporting the body’s natural defenses and improving the overall quality of life during treatment.
Therefore, maintaining optimal magnesium levels through diet or supplementation could be an important strategy in reducing cancer risk and supporting overall health, especially for those undergoing cancer treatment.
The Importance of Magnesium in Relation to Diabetes
Magnesium plays a crucial role in managing and preventing diabetes. Of the 300 biochemical reactions in the body, many are directly related to glucose metabolism and insulin function. Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels by supporting insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to use insulin more effectively. Low magnesium levels have been linked to insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that individuals with low magnesium levels are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Magnesium deficiency can impair insulin secretion and action, making it more difficult to control blood sugar. Furthermore, magnesium helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which play a role in diabetes-related complications like cardiovascular disease.
For people with diabetes, maintaining adequate magnesium levels through diet or supplementation may improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of complications, and support overall metabolic health. Ensuring optimal magnesium intake is an important strategy for managing diabetes and improving overall well-being.
Types of Magnesium
Magnesium Citrate is used for treating occasional constipation.
Magnesium Glycinate is used for its calming effect and often treats anxiety and depression. It is also used to help with sleep.
Magnesium Oxide can relieve heartburn and indigestion.
Magnesium L-Threonate is used for brain health and manages brain disorders such as depression and memory loss due to age.
Magnesium Malate is a combination of magnesium and malic acid and has been used to treat diabetes and enhance exercise performance. 2
Magnesium Chloride is used to treat or prevent magnesium deficiency. It can be used as a soak to increase magnesium levels, ease joint and muscle pain and stiffness, and relieve tired feet.
Magnesium Lactate is an easily absorbed form of magnesium and is used to treat people with low magnesium.
Magnesium Taurate is magnesium with an amino acid called Taurine. It has shown promise in treating diabetes and improving blood pressure. 3
Magnesium Sulfate provides temporary relief from constipation.
Magnesium Orotate can be used to treat stomach acid, heartburn, and indigestion.
Food sources of magnesium
Our soil is so depleted of minerals that it is hard to keep up our mineral supply by food alone. However, some delicious plant sources of magnesium can give you a little boost. This list is far from exhaustive.
Cacao
Pumpkin Seeds
Almonds
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Avocado
Artichokes
Legumes
Prunes
Apricots
Dates
Bananas
Guava
Kiwi
Papaya
How to improve our magnesium blood levels
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How to test
You will need the magnesium RBC test, not the Magnesium Blood Serum test. Not all doctors will give you this test when asked. You can go to Walk-In-Lab to order your own without a doctor’s recommendation.
Magnesium tea
Prepare your tea of choice. (I like Traditional Medicine's Nighty Night tea at night or chamomile tea from Mountain Rose Herbs I'm generally not a fan of chamomile tea, but Mountain Rose has one that really helps with sleep and tastes pretty good.
I like to add a pack of this magnesium to my tea for the extra magnesium boost and creamy sweetness. Remember, we are doing all we can to get to cell saturation! That means eating magnesium-rich foods, and supplementing when necessary.
Magnesium Supplement with 7 different forms of magnesium. Achieving optimal magnesium levels must be a key focus for anyone who experiences altered sleep, mood imbalances, seizures, fluid retention, fatigue, muscle weakness/cramping, high blood pressure, diabetes, constipation, anxiety and osteoporosis.
Conclusion: The Importance of Magnesium for Overall Health
Magnesium is crucial because it is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body that are vital for health. Here’s why it’s so important:
Regulates Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity: Magnesium helps improve the body’s ability to process glucose and enhance insulin sensitivity, which is essential for preventing and managing conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
Supports Heart Health: Magnesium helps maintain a healthy heart by regulating blood pressure, supporting proper muscle function (including the heart), and preventing arrhythmias.
Bone Health: Magnesium is essential for bone formation and maintaining bone density. It works in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones.
Nervous System and Mood: Magnesium plays a key role in nerve function and mood regulation. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and supports healthy sleep patterns.
Muscle Function: Magnesium is critical for muscle contraction and relaxation. It helps prevent muscle cramps and weakness, particularly during physical activity or while experiencing dehydration.
DNA and Protein Synthesis: Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins, supporting cell function and repair, which is necessary for growth, healing, and maintaining tissue health.
Electrolyte Balance: Magnesium helps maintain the balance of other electrolytes, like potassium and calcium, which are crucial for the body’s overall functioning.
Overall, magnesium is essential for energy production, metabolic function, cellular health, and maintaining the balance of many systems in the body. Without enough magnesium, these processes can be disrupted, leading to a range of health issues.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.
