Magnesium – The Benefits, The Sources, and More

[vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_column_text]By: Active Sports Therapy

Magnesium is a mineral that works very hard within our bodies at the cellular level and is part of over 300 biochemical reactions that occur each day. It plays a role in nerve and muscle function, supports the immune system and heart, assists with bone health, regulates the metabolism of nutrients, and much more.

Magnesium deficiency in North America is extremely common. Health Canada recommends that for adult men the RDA is 400-420 milligrams per day and for adult women it’s 310-320 milligrams per day. These are general numbers across populations, so you may find upon research that other sources include factors such as height or weight in their recommendations.

Magnesium deficiency can be linked to a wide variety of symptoms such as chronic pain, irritability, muscle twitches and cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, depression, restless leg syndrome, insomnia and poor sleep quality, and much more. If you are dealing with a recent injury, it’s a good idea to talk to your chiropractor about supplementing magnesium during recovery.

If you’re looking for food sources of magnesium, here are some great options:

Halibut and Mackeral
Almonds
Bran Cereals
Boiled Spinach
Cashews
Pumpkin Seeds
Cocoa

There are several factors that can impair your ability to pull magnesium from the foods you eat. Here are just a few:

Your diet – drinking soda, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and caffeine can all be related to lowered levels of magnesium
Stress – which can lower your bodies’ ability to use magnesium
Mineral Imbalances – such as excess calcium issues
Vitamin D deficiencies
Digestive conditions that limit absorption

At AST we can provide you with recommendations suited to your needs, as well we have a few types of magnesium supplements available at the clinic.

Ancient Minerals Topical Magnesium – This is magnesium that can be sprayed or rubbed on your body and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is a particularly useful method of supplementation for those who have digestive concerns.

Ancient Minerals Salts – Similar to the topical treatment, this is a relaxing way to get additional magnesium by adding the salt to your bath or foot soaks.

Supplements – Talk to your practitioner about whether a supplement is right for you as we do have supplements available as prescribed in either pill or liquid form.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tumeric - Fad or Fantastic

[vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_column_text]By: Dr. Gayle Maguire N.D.

Turmeric, especially the isolated constituent Curcumin, has been studied extensively in the last few years for some very impressive reasons. There are suggestions that turmeric is anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer), a great antioxidant and liver protector and anti-inflammatory. Studies are most supportive of turmeric for a few specific benefits:

Osteoarthritis

Turmeric can be a great option in pain management, joining the realm of glucosamine and acupuncture. It was comparable to ibuprofen in knee osteoarthritis patients, which suggests it can be used for other areas afflicted by osteoarthritis (Henrotin, 2013).

Cardiovascular health

Turmeric has been connected to lowered rates of heart attack after bypass surgeries (Wongcharoen et al, 2012). It is believed that turmeric may also have a positive influence on cholesterol, though studies have not yet proven that.

Cancer

With so many types of cancer and treatments, it can be difficult to claim a drug or natural product helpful for all types. Turmeric, so far, has be shown to be effective to help with the side effect of skin irritation after radiation in breast and other cancer (Verma 2016).

Alzheimers

Turmeric likely has a role in prevention of Alzheimers, according to researchers; however, less beneficial once the disease is diagnosed. These may be due to purported antioxidant and liver protectant properties.

Turmeric has many on-going studies and is generally quite well tolerated by patients. High doses can cause digestive upset, trigger gall stone attacks or ulcers, so should not be used in those with a history of gallstones or ulcers.

This article is for informative purposes only, not to replace medical advice. Please consult a medical or naturopathic doctor to see if turmeric may be helpful for you.

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