Magnesium
(Mg)
More than half of the body's
magnesium is found in bone, the rest in cells, soft tissues,
muscle and blood. If the diet is low in magnesium, it is leached
from the bones. Cooking, canning and freezing destroy magnesium.
Natural Food Sources
Almonds, avocado, banana, bluefish, carp, cod, collard greens,
dairy products, flounder, halibut, herring, green leafy
vegetables, legumes, mackerel, milk, molasses, nuts, shrimp,
swordfish, wheat germ, whole wheat bread.
Main Functions
Magnesium is involved in the formation of bone and teeth. It is
also vital for nerve conduction and muscle contraction, plus
activates enzymes that aid in the release of energy from food.
It helps control blood pressure, regulate body temperature and
maintain the acid-base balance in the body. Calcium and
magnesium must be in proper proportion to perform their closely
related body functions. For example, calcium stimulates muscles
while magnesium relaxes them. Magnesium has had some success in
treating migraines, asthma and diabetes.
Deficiency Symptoms
A magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in modern diets.
Processed and refined foods remove most of the magnesium, which
is not replaced during enrichment. Excess calcium can cause a
magnesium deficiency. Severe deficiency symptoms include muscle
weakness, poor coordination, convulsions, hypertension,
irritability, depression, nausea, gastrointestinal problems,
hair loss, swollen gums, and calcium deposits in the kidneys,
heart and blood vessels.
Toxicity Symptoms
Toxicity is unlikely as the kidneys excrete any excess
magnesium. If the kidneys are not functioning properly,
magnesium toxicity symptoms may include weakness, lethargy
nausea and breathing difficulties. Magnesium is often used as a
laxative - a 600 mg plus dose of magnesium will lead to
diarrhea.
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