MAGNESIUM

The Alcoholic’s Balm

All human tissues contain small quantities of magnesium. The greater part of which is present in bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate. Bone ashes contain less than one percent magnesium.

Magnesium is a light, silver-white, malleable, and ductile metallic element. It burns with a very hot, bright flame and is used to form lightweight alloys. Biochemists call magnesium the ‘cool, alkaline, refreshing, sleep-promoting mineral’. It helps to keep one calm and cool during the sweltering summer months. Intake of diuretics and alcohol can render magnesium ineffective.

Functions in the Body

Magnesium helps to keep the nerves relaxed. It is necessary for all muscular activity. It is an activator of most of the enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein. It is necessary for the activation of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Adequate levels of magnesium are necessary for normal neuromuscular contractions. This mineral is also involved in the production of lecithin. It prevents the building up of cholesterol and consequent artherosclerosis. 

Sources

Magnesium is widely distributed in foods. It is a part of the chlorophyll in green vegetables. Other good sources of this mineral are nuts, soya beans, alfalfa, apples, figs, lemons, peaches, almonds, whole grains, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Cereals and vegetables normally contribute more than two-thirds of the daily magnesium intake.

Deficiency Symptoms

Magnesium deficiency is unlikely to arise in human beings due to an inadequate intake of foods containing it. Deficiency may, however, occur under the same metabolic condition that leads to a lack of potassium, namely, excessive loss due to chronic diarrhoea.

These conditions include chronic alcoholism, diabetes, malabsorption syndrome, renal disease, disorders of the parathyroid gland, and post surgical stress.

Magnesium deficiency increases an individual’s susceptibility to high blood pressure.

Healing and Therapeutic Properties

Alcoholism. Chronic alcoholics often show a low plasma magnesium concentration and a high urinary output. They therefore require extra magnesium intake, especially in an acute attack of delirium tremens.

Kidney Stones. By increasing the solubility of calcium in the urine, magnesium prevents recurrence of kidney stones. Magnesium, together with vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, has also been found effective in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Heart Attacks. Low levels of magnesium have been found in persons who suddenly die of heart attacks. The magnesium deficiency may lead to a spasm in the coronary arteries, which in turn, reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Magnesium therapy offers some protection against heart disease.

Precautions :

Large amounts of magnesium over an extended period of time can be toxic if the calcium and phosphorus intakes are high. Supplements of magnesium should not be taken after meals as the mineral neutralises stomach acidity.