The short answer is: without magnesium, our bodies would not function!
Then longer version: Magnesium is a vital element that affects the muscular-skeletal system and plays a major role in many, many chemical reactions in your body (over 300!). Magnesium is an enzyme co-factor and also plays a vital role in ATP generation, the body's major source of energy. Without magnesium, our muscles would be in a constant state of contraction. A complete summary of what magnesium does in the human body and how it affects daily functions can be found here.
Depleted soil conditions lead to decreased magnesium levels in plants and in animals that eat the plants. Stress and caffeine intake further deplete the body of magnesium. Sugar and processed foods, along with many pharmaceuticals do the rest. In short, most of us fall into this spectrum, making us a prime candidate for many acute and chronic disease. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition states:
“Patients with diagnoses of depression, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, tremor, Parkinsonism, arrhythmias, circulatory disturbances (stroke, cardiac infarc- tion, arteriosclerosis), hypertension, migraine, cluster head- ache, cramps, neuro-vegetative disorders, abdominal pain, os- teoporosis, asthma, stress dependent disorders, tinnitus, ataxia, confusion, preeclampsia, weakness, might also be consequences of the magnesium deficiency syndrome.”
Replenishing magnesium can be done in several ways: orally (through a good supplement and wholesome nutrition) and topically, since the skin, as the body's largest organ, wonderfully absorbs magnesium and transports it to needed areas of the body. Fact: the skin absorbs a higher percentage of magnesium than the gut, making topical administration the preferred application route.
I don't want to regurgitate well-written information, so let me refer you to an excellent article at wellnessmama. In this link you will find a recipe and the resources to make your own magnesium lotion or spray. If you are not keen on DIY, head on over to our apothecary and order it there! Another option is taking a foot bath with magnesium oxide flakes.
10 Signs that you might be magnesium deficient:
1) muscle spasms and cramps
2) anxiety and depression
3) calcification of arteries
4) high blood pressure
5) hormone problems
6) pregnancy issues
7) sleep disturbances
8) bone health
9) low energy
10) other mineral deficiencies
Each one of my family members has a jar of magnesium lotion sitting on their bedside table. Get yours today- Replenish today!
To your wellness,
~Yvonne
(As always: ***this page is not intended as medical advice or to substitute your doctor. It is not to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injury. If you suffer from any medical condition, please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.)