Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on November 27, 2017.
Magnesium is a crucial mineral involved in various metabolic reactions in the body, including energy production, protein synthesis, and cell signaling. It is essential for the proper functioning of organs and muscles, particularly the heart, kidneys, and bones. Deficiency or insufficiency of magnesium has been linked to several health conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
During pregnancy, magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, serious pregnancy complications that can endanger both the mother and the baby. To determine your magnesium levels, a magnesium RBC test is recommended, with a target range of 6.0 to 6.5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Are You at Risk?
The U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium ranges from 310 to 420 mg per day, depending on age and sex. However, studies suggest that a significant percentage of adults in the U.S. do not meet these recommendations.
Research indicates that many Americans do not consume enough magnesium in their diets, with factors such as poor absorption, excessive coffee or alcohol consumption, heavy menstrual periods, and prolonged stress contributing to deficiencies. Achieving optimal magnesium levels is crucial for overall health, as the mineral plays a vital role in preventing conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Is a Foundational Problem in Western Society
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes continues to rise, with significant health implications. Higher magnesium intake has been associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, even among individuals with poor dietary habits. Studies have shown that those with higher magnesium consumption have a lower risk of developing diabetes, regardless of their carbohydrate intake.
Magnesium Deficiency May Speed Aging
Research suggests that magnesium deficiency can accelerate cellular aging, potentially leading to chronic diseases. Maintaining adequate magnesium levels is essential for overall health and may help prevent conditions such as depression, which can impact longevity.
Researchers have found a link between premature death and depression when analyzing six decades of mental health and mortality data. Additionally, magnesium plays a crucial role in supporting healthy neurological function and mental health, with research suggesting that magnesium insufficiency may contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions. Bruce Ames, Ph.D., co-author with Killilea, introduced the Triage Theory of Aging, which proposes that moderate micronutrient deficiencies, even if not symptomatic, can accelerate aging and lead to age-related diseases.
Furthermore, magnesium has been associated with improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that magnesium also impacts arterial stiffness and vascular calcification, both precursors to heart disease. Additionally, magnesium sulfate has been found to play a role in post-surgical pain management by reducing the need for opioids and improving patient outcomes.
Magnesium deficiency may trigger various health conditions, as it is involved in nearly 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Research has identified numerous binding sites on human proteins that suggest a significant role for magnesium in disease prevention. Dean’s research on magnesium has linked insufficiency or deficiency to a range of medical conditions, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Moreover, magnesium may play a nutritional role in protecting against electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. EMF activates voltage-gated calcium channels in cells, leading to excess calcium influx and mitochondrial dysfunction. Magnesium, a natural calcium channel blocker, can help prevent the effects of EMF exposure in the short term. However, addressing EMF sources in your environment is essential for long-term health protection.
In conclusion, while obtaining magnesium from the diet is ideal, supplementation may be necessary at times to maintain optimal levels. Epsom salt baths can also help supplement your magnesium intake and support overall health. Si sufres de intestino permeable, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal u otros trastornos intestinales, la absorción puede estar afectada.
Si tienes antecedentes de enfermedad cardíaca, hipertensión, ataque al corazón o si tienes planeada una cirugía de corazón abierto o un trasplante de corazón, entonces puede ser necesario suplementar para aumentar tus niveles de magnesio.
Una forma relajante de aumentar tu nivel de sulfato de magnesio es tomar baños o baños de pies de sal de Epsom. La absorción transdérmica de magnesio se ha utilizado para aumentar los niveles de magnesio y evitar la absorción gastrointestinal. Un estudio piloto realizado por R.H. Waring de la Universidad de Birmingham, Reino Unido, encontró que tomar un baño en agua a 122 grados Fahrenheit (F) o 50 grados Celsius (C) durante 12 minutos aumentó los niveles de magnesio en suero en los participantes.
La temperatura óptima para un baño para lavar la suciedad y el polvo de tu día es de 112 grados F.40 El agua del grifo puede estar tan caliente como 140 F (60 C) pero los médicos recomiendan ajustar tu calentador de agua caliente a 120 F (48 C) para evitar una lesión por quemadura, especialmente en niños.
La crema de magnesio transdérmico también ha demostrado resultados al aumentar los niveles de magnesio en suero en los participantes del estudio.41 El beneficio de usar baños de sal de Epsom o cremas transdérmicas es que la absorción evita los desafíos de absorción gastrointestinal en muchos que sufren de intestino permeable u otras condiciones intestinales.