Are You Magnesium Deficient?
April 21, 2007
Are You Magnesium Deficient? by Bette L. Hall CMA, NHC
Over 300 biochemical reactions in the body depend on magnesium and is known for its healing effects. 1 Deficiencies in magnesium leave people vulnerable to developing acute and chronic conditions due to not getting the minerals needed from their daily food intake.
Magnesium Carbonate is used as a dietary supplement for weightlifters and gymnasts to improve their grip on the bars.
Magnesium Hydroxide is used in Milk of Magnesia for the treatment of constipation.
Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Sulfate are used in Epsom Salts which is used as a cathartic. Magnesium Chloride has also been known to fight infection.
Magnesium Citrite is used in medicine.
Magnesium Stearate is used in pharmaceutical technology to manufacture tablets. It prevents the tablets from sticking or caking to the equipment during the manufacturing process. It is also used as a binder in the process of making candy.
Magnesium is a crucial nutrient when it comes to proper body functioning. Magnesium ions play a major role in cellular function and strongly influence cardiovascular and neuromuscular excitability.
How do you know if your body is deprived of this valuable nutrient? These signs can be indicators of magnesium deficiency:
In a clinical trial involving thirty-two (32) patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fifteen (15) were given magnesium and seventeen (17) were given water. Twelve (12) of the (15) patients who received the magnesium saw improvement in their energy levels, sleep patterns, and physical mobility. 2
This metallic element is not readily available in foods, therefore magnesium supplementation could help prevent high blood pressure and the other indicators listed above. 2
Magnesium supplementation can help people avoid serious disease or recover from ones they already have. There are many reasons, scientific studies, and professional medical and scientific data that sustain this statement. 2
A study documented in the International Journal of Cardiology in 1996 found that taking 600 mg of magnesium daily lowered the systolic blood pressure by almost 8 points and the diastolic pressure by almost 4 points. 1
It is difficult to get enough magnesium from the diet. In 1900 the average American diet consisted of approximately 450 mg of magnesium per day. By the year 2000, that figure dropped to about 200 mg of magnesium each day. 1
The need to increase magnesium in our diet is so strong that a gentleman by the name of Paul Mason has petitioned the government to add magnesium to bottled water and other bottled drinks. 3
“Paul Mason is telling the world that consuming more magnesium could save 21 million lives a year.” 3
Reference:
Life Extension Magazine: The Ultimate Source for New Health and Medical Findings September 2004. “Magnesium in Hypertension” By Jay S. Cohen, MD. Pgs 40-48
MagnesiumForLife.com “Magnesium and Medicine”
Life Extension Magazine: The Ultimate Source for New Health and Medical Findings September 2005. “As We See It: How Many Americans Are Magnesium Deficient” By William Falloon.
Arrest The Aging
January 12, 2007
Arrest the Aging Process by Bette L. Hall CMA
The word aging conjures up negative images in our minds of forgetfulness, restlessness and sleepless nights, and wrinkled skin with dark spots on the face and hands. We no longer need to stand by and accept these things as part of the natural aging process. Scientific studies show us that it is possible to enhance both the length and the quality of life.
The length of our life or the number of years we live is not important if we cannot have quality of life also. Who would want to live to be eighty or ninety years old if we cannot sleep or think right and you don’t even know the names of your family members? So what we need to do is to arrest the aging process.
A specific amino acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, can sharpen the mental abilities and stimulate the growth of new neuritis. Robert Crayhon, M. S. recommends that we take carnitine and acetyl-Lcarnitine along with Co-Q10 and folic acid for improved cognitive function.
Restless nights and insomnia are often associated with aging. Lack of sleep has been associated with cytokines which have been linked to degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and controls our wake/sleep cycle. As we age, the body’s natural production of melatonin is slowed. Supplementation with melatonin has shown to regulate sleep as well as slow brain aging.
Hyaluronic Acid (HLA) is a vital component of our skin’s structure that diminishes as we age. HLA is responsible for moisture, suppleness, and elasticity of the skin and will improve the appearance of the skin when HLA is used both internally and externally.
In summary, the use of acetyl-L-carnitine, carnitine, Co-Q10, omega 3 fatty acid, melatonin, and hyaluronic acid can help you arrest the aging process. You can be mentally alert, cognitive, rested, attractive and full of life at any age.
Don’t Be A Slave To What You Crave
January 10, 2007
Don’t Be A Slave To What You Crave by Bette L. Hall
Positive and Negative Aspects of Chocolate and other Sweets
You aren’t going to be told to give up the chocolate. Chocolate can be good for you. There are, however; some things you need to know about the chocolate and sweet cravings you experience.
When blood sugar levels drop below 65 milligrams, a sweet toot and sugar craving is the result. If the blood sugar level is allowed to continue below the 65 mg., headache, weakness, and even heart palpitations can occur. Thinking becomes slowed and confused which leads to grouchiness and irritability.
Many scientific studies have shown that well being and a positive disposition result when the blood sugar levels remain above the fasting level.
The average American begins the day with high sugar content foods. Think about it. You’re running late for work. You skip having breakfast. You stop at the nearest 7-11 or QT on your way to work and what do you buy? Sugar laden coffee and a couple of donuts! Or maybe you drive through Winchell’s Donut Shop or Crispy Cream for your morning donuts and sugar-laden coffee.
If you are in a big hurry but not that late, your breakfast consists of the quick and easy. How about pop tarts, toaster strudel, frozen waffles, or coffeecake? And sugar-laden coffee, of course.
All that sugar that’s consumed in the early morning hours causes the blood sugar to skyrocket, but in an hour or so it drops to a low level again. The result? Inefficiency and fatigue! The real function of sugar is to efficiently produce energy not fatigue.
The key to maintaining an even blood sugar level for hours after consumption is by adding protein to your breakfast. Drink a glass of milk or eat some yogurt or cottage cheese with breakfast. Another name for cottage cheese is curds and whey. There have been some excellent studies performed recently on the benefits of whey including increased hormone levels and lowered body weight. By adding milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese to your morning meal, you’ll be taking a healthy step in the right direction.
If you feel you need a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, eat a protein bar. I didn’t say to skip the chocolate. The important point is to add some protein.
Mrs. A was bragging, “I can eat chocolate and still lose weight.” It was learned that Mrs. A skipped breakfast and had only a chocolate candy bar for lunch.
She went on to say, “I have to have my chocolate. I would rather starve myself all day than to give up my chocolate.”
Studies have shown that chocolate consumption is healthy because of its polyphenol and anti-oxidant properties. “Chocolate is a mild stimulant and mood elevator.”1 It tastes good too. In fact, chocolate is delicious. According to a study at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, five out eight women crave sweets. The most prevalent craving being the craving of chocolate.2
Mrs. A would be functioning at a more efficient level by replacing the candy bar with a protein bar. The craving for chocolate and sweets disappears or is at least diminished when the blood sugar level is kept high. That is accomplished by eating protein foods – NOT sugar foods.
What Mrs. A didn’t realize is that when a craving becomes so intense that you think you can’t live without it, it’s become an addiction.
Many women crave chocolate every month during either PMS of their menstrual cycle. In addition to a blood sugar level, this craving could also be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Many “chocolate-addicts” crave chocolate because of a chromium and magnesium deficiency.
Chromium helps stabilize blood sugar levels and makes better use of insulin. This action lessens the urge to indulge in those delicious tempting morsels of chocolate.
Another supplement that helps to naturally suppress chocolate and sugar cravings is the amino acid L-Glutamine. Glutamine is known as the essential “non-essential amino acid.” It is known to alleviate hypoglycemia.
In summary, chocolate and other sweets can become an addiction for these reasons: 1. Low Blood Sugar Levels 2. Nutritional Deficiency
Supplements that help curb the craving:
1. Chromium
2. L-Glutamine
The best way to curb the craving:
1. Add Protein Foods to Your Meals
2. Eat Protein Foods for Your Snacks
3. Take Supplements
References
1. Zand, Janet, Allen J. Spreen, James B. LaValle. Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. New York, Garden City Park. Avery Publishing Company. 1999 p. 449
2. Studenmund, Gabrielle. Fitness Magazine May 2001. “Retrain Your Appetite” G & H USA Publishing, A Garner and Jahr Company. New York, N. Y. p. 55
