The deficiency of magnesium is a common problem. It is estimated that more than 90% of people have magnesium deficiency. Though I have written on magnesium for many years, my concerns about the problem have increased recently.
Here are some of the common symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
– Anxiety
– Low energy
– Inability to sleep
– Weak bones
– Weakness
– PMS & hormonal imbalances
– Abnormal heart rhythm
– Irritability
– Headaches
– Nervousness
– Muscle tension, cramps and spasms
– Fatigue
Reasons for Magnesium Concerns
Magnesium is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in our body. It also affects blood pressure, immune function, metabolism and various other health aspects.
According to certain specialists deficiency of magnesium is the biggest health problem the world is currently suffering from.
Reasons Behind Widespread Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency was not as widespread as it is today, and there are several reasons why it is so.
Plants have lower levels of magnesium because of depleted soil conditions. The same happens to the meat from animals feeding on such plants. Using chemicals like chlorine and fluoride in our water supply also depletes magnesium availability in water because these two chemicals get bound to magnesium.
The commonly used substances that we take daily, such as sugar and caffeine, also cause magnesium depletion in our body.
The same goes for stress.
The only small group of people who are least likely to suffer from magnesium deficiency are the ones living close to the ocean. Oceans are great source of magnesium in various ways. The foods here are growing in soils rich in magnesium. You drink magnesium-rich water. And if you consume lesser amounts of caffeine or sugar and don’t have stress, you can be great. But others may require additional amounts of magnesium.
Calcium is Like Adding Fuel to Fire
I have discovered through my research that large amount of calcium is a major factor in this widespread magnesium deficiency epidemic. Besides, excess calcium also contributes to various health problems.
The reasons are as following:
While at one end most of us are not getting adequate amounts of magnesium, many are getting excess of calcium. It comes added in various processed foods, and both dairy and its alternatives. In fact, even orange juice can have it.
Our cells have a unique sodium:potassium pump for regulating mineral balance within and outside the cells (source).
The deficiency of magnesium prevents this pump from effective functioning. When there’s excess amount of calcium, this ratio between sodium and potassium becomes skewed. The pump then allows this excess calcium to enter the cells. If there’s magnesium deficiency, even more amount of calcium enters the cells.
Source: Healthy Living Style