All About Health April 2014 | Page 5

Magnesium The Master Element

There is no question that magnesium is one of the most studied minerals in nutrition. In the

human body magnesium serves many crucial roles and is involved in a quartet of minerals that also serve the same function. The human body needs Angstrom magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium in the processes of helping to transmit electrical impulses across nerves and muscles, regulation of blood pressure, bone building and more. The electrical impulses generate what is called neuromuscular contraction. If you don‟t have proper magnesium your muscles will begin to cramp. If you consume these minerals in proper levels you will feel younger, lose weight, and see blood pressure fall.

Magnesium is required for the production and transfer of energy from protein synthesis for

contractility of muscle and excitability of nerves plus it is a co-factor in a myriad of enzyme systems. Most

Americans don‟t get enough magnesium in their diet. Studies say the intake has been dropping steadily over the last 100 years. Coincidentally, or maybe not, blood pressure has been rising over the last 100 years.

Magnesium contributes to pH balance. It is important to distinguish between the element

magnesium and the compound magnesia. Magnesia causes diarrhea whereas magnesium helps in the maintenance of healthy bones, ligaments, and hormonal regulation. Magnesium is known for its calming nature as it works on the nerves in a cathartic manner, the soothing properties of magnesium help induce restful sleep.

Magnesium makes up approximately 1½ ounces in body tissues. Magnesium combats acids,

toxins, gases and impurities and cools the body. It benefits the brain through the neutralization of phosphoric by-products of heavy brain activity or over consumption of phosphorus foods. Humans must have the biochemical form of magnesium. Magnesium assists in the body‟s uptake of both potassium and calcium, and a magnesium deficiency promotes deficiencies in calcium and potassium.

Magnesium function in the body:

Necessary for solid teeth and bones

Essential for brain and liver function

Calms nerves

Promotes cell growth

Supports the excretory process

Increases tissue elasticity