Magnesium

What is Magnesium?   Magnesium (Mg) is the 9th most abundant element in the known universe and the 8th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust below iron, oxygen and silicon.  It makes up 13% of our planet’s mass and is the 3rd most abundant element dissolved in seawater after sodium and chlorine.

How is it obtained?

Magnesium is one of the many metallic elements and is obtained mainly by electrolysis of magnesium salts derived from brine.  By mass, it is the 11th most abundant element found in the human body.  Its ions are essential for all cells and it is vital for interaction with polyphosphate compounds such as ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), DNA (dioxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Guesstimate of enzymes that need magnesium

If you have a quick look on the internet and peruse a few sites that tell you of how many enzymes actually need Mg to function, you will probably come up with 300.  This was a ‘guesstimate’ that came out in the 1960’s and it shows that many of those writing about this mineral have copied it from somewhere else instead of getting their facts up to date and in line with latest research.   This is a prime example of how misleading the internet can be.

Research shows…

Although the exact number has not been quantified, studies and research have reassessed those enzymes that need Mg to function.  It has been found that hundreds of enzymes need Mg to function properly (up to 800 at the last count).  The majority of  which means that deficiency of Mg can affect so many aspects of life and cause a multitude of symptoms in multiple organs and areas of the body, from the brain to the feet.

Of prime importance

The most important Mg dependent enzyme is that which controls the creation of energy by activating ATP (adenosine triphosphate).  When activated, Mg-ATP is the vital molecule that stores energy within the mitochondria (organelles) which reside in all our cells.  Mg is required for the body to produce and store our energy.  Without Mg-ATP, there is no power, no vigour, no spark, no movement, no life.

This diagram says it all

This diagram gives you an idea of how much Mg is needed just for this one function, just one of all those hundreds of enzymes that need Mg to operate.  Take all the Mg out of this diagram and you haven’t got much left.  Do you know anyone who is low on energy, has CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) or other debilitating conditions that leave them constantly tired and lacking in energy and drive?

Other minerals and enzymes?

Other minerals are necessary for enzyme activation.  The next highest after Mg is Zinc which commands less than 200.  As for calcium (Ca), the ‘mineral of cement’, Ca is necessary for less than 20 enzymes one of which is the one that brings the cells to death.  Yes, it is necessary for cells to die and regenerate but it is a sobering thought to know that the reason we all go into rigor when we die is that Ca floods our cells on the point of death and stiffens the body!

This image shows egg-shell calcification around the pericardium.  The pericardium is a double walled bag or sac which contains the heart.  Suffice to say, this calcification should not be there and is caused by excess calcium migrating and settling in areas of the body including the cardiovascular system, the brain, the kidneys etc..  There is nowhere in the soft tissue or organs of the human body, that is safe from calcification.

Excess Ca can damage your heart

You certainly don’t want to exacerbate this process whilst you’re still alive do you?  What happens when Mg is low?  Here are a few life threatening conditions:

• Heart cells need abundant Mg especially in the left ventricle.  Low Mg will start a deterioration of the heart muscle and can cause hypertrophy (enlargement of heart).
• Low Mg increases blood pressure, vasoconstriction and arterial stiffness.  This in turn exacerbates and encourages atherosclerosis and inflammation.
• Mg is an anti-coagulant and when low, allows Ca, which is a coagulant, to increase and thicken the blood causing aggregation and clotting.  Ca is found in clots and plaque buildup.
• A lack of Mg will exacerbate insulin resistance.  Mg is also necessary to activate an enzyme that allows glucose into the cells.
• Mg is necessary to control the enzyme which regulates the production of cholesterol.  This enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase, is regulated by Mg in accordance with the body’s needs.  Also LCAT (Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase) is an enzyme that converts LDL to HDL which Mg activates.  Mg prevents clot formation, reduces inflammation, slows and prevents atherosclerotic plaques, prevents myopathy and has no side effects (unlike statin drugs).

The beautiful metal

Every element of life idolizes magnesium except the allopathic fraternity and the pharmaceutical industry which will not acknowledge its importance for life, health and vitality.  The ancient Chinese called it the beautiful metal.   Pharmaceutical medicine does not want to see its beauty, there is little money to be made from something so common and anyway, it could be the cause of a cure and that would never do!

18 minerals needed for the body

Of the 18 minerals necessary for a healthy body, Magnesium is the king.  Magnesium is like the teacher of the class.  When one pupil is absent, not a problem.  When the teacher goes missing, mayhem and disorder ensues.

Ignore this mineral at your peril

If there is one mineral that you need to supplement, it is Mg.  Without it you will not have the impetus and drive to take you through lifes ups and down.  Your health is everything.

Which would you choose

If someone offered you either a million dollars or good health for the rest of your life, which would you choose.  Choosing health will enable you to make your million as well as being healthy and fighting fit well into your golden years.   Your knowledge will be handed down to your children and grandchildren, educating them as to how they can also lead a healthy and productive life.

Work with your medic

Do your own research.  Learn about the body and the nutrients it needs to function properly.  View all drugs with an element of suspicion.  Will they actually improve your condition or will they worsen it with side effects.  Is there a nutrient that will do the same job but without the side effects.  Know how your body works and work with your medical practioner.  You want to be cured of your condition not be on drugs for life.

Hippocrates quote:

Hippocrates wrote: “If you are not your own doctor, you are a fool”.  If your doctor is not open minded and ready to accept your input then find yourself another doctor.  A naturopathic doctor who has also trained in allopathic medicine is ideal.  They know both sides of the medical equation and will only prescribe a drug if it is the only option.  They will look at the whole body because disease starts at the cellular level and healthy cells are paramount to a healthy body.

Ches

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