Miracle of Magnesium

by Dr. Carolyn Dean

What Does Magnesium Do?
1. Magnesium helps to relax muscles
2. Magnesium helps to transmit nerve signals
3. Magnesium produces and transports energy
4. Magnesium is necessary for the synthesis of protein
5. Magnesium is a cofactor assisting enzymes in catalyzing most chemical reactions in the body, including temperature regulation
6. Magnesium also gets rid of constipation the natural way without all those expensive pills. It also helps calm down
hyperactive kids, who don't get enough magnesium through eating vegetables.

CoFactor in Chemical Reactions
Enzymes are protein molecules that stimulate every chemical reaction in the body. Magnesium is required to make hundreds of these enzymes work. Producing and transporting energy, magnesium and the B-complex vitamins are excellent examples of energy nutrients because they activate enzymes that control digestion, absorption, and the utilization of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Because magnesium is involved with hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body, deficiency can affect every aspect of life and cause a score of symptoms.

Of the 325 magnesium-dependent enzymes, the most important enzyme reaction involves the creation of energy by activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental energy storage molecule of the body. ATP may be what the Chinese refer to as qi, or life force. Magnesium is required for the body to produce and store energy. Without magnesium there is no energy, no movement, no life. It is that simple

Synthesizing Protein
Magnesium is used in synergy with dozens of other vitamins and minerals to create structural components of the body. Under the direction of magnesium, enzymes and nutrients modify the building blocks from food to "create" the human body. Without magnesium, there is no body. RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic blueprints for the formation of all the protein molecules in the body, are also dependent on magnesium.

Transmitting Nerve Signals
Magnesium permits calcium to enter a nerve cell to allow electrical transmission along the nerves to and from the brain. Even our thoughts, via brain neurons, are dependent on magnesium.

Relaxing Muscles
Calcium causes contraction in skeletal muscle fibers, and magnesium causes relaxation. When there is too much calcium and insufficient magnesium, you can get sustained muscle contraction: twitches, spasms, and even convulsions. Smooth muscles directed by too much calcium and insufficient magnesium can tighten the bronchial tract, causing asthma; cramping in the uterus and painful periods; and causing spasms in blood vessels, resulting in hypertension.

Posted May 2005 | Permanent Link

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