Many researchers have determined that a great many Americans are deficient in magnesium. One of the problems has been that magnesium has been consistently depleted in our soils. Due to potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, which prevent the plant's ability to uptake magnesium, even our food sources have lower magnesium levels. Since the American diet is high in carbohydrates and fat, our need for magnesium is increased. Stress and physical activity also deplete our stores of magnesium.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiencysymptoms
include: impaired contraction of smooth muscles, constipation, urinary
spasms, menstrual cramps, difficulty swallowing (or a lump in the
throat), photophobia (sensitivity to light) and loud noise sensitivity.
If the central nervous system
is affected, the following symptoms can develop: insomnia, anxiety
and panic attacks, hyperactivity and restlessness. In addition,
patients can suffer from numbness, tingling, and other abnormal
sensations.
Cardiovascular symptoms of magnesium deficiency
include: palpitations, heart arrhythmias, angina due to spasms of the
coronary arteries and high blood pressure. Another possible sign of magnesium deficiency is the craving for salt.
Supplementation with the chelated form of magnesium assures both better absorption and that you are getting magnesium from a supplement because you may not be getting the proper amounts from your food.
