Magnesium essential to the human body

Even though a lot has been written about it many people still do not understand how essential magnesium is to the functioning of the human body. They also don’t realize how difficult it is for the average American to get enough magnesium to meet their needs. One survey said that 68% of all Americans are not getting enough magnesium. Part of this is due to the mineral depletion of our soils.

Magnesium is used by every organ in the body. It provides strength to the bones and teeth, activates enzymes, regulates blood calcium levels, aids in energy production, and is used to assimilate and utilize other vitamins and minerals throughout the body. It could be said that it comes in second only to Vitamin D in its widespread importance.  Another survey says that millions could be saved in health care costs through magnesium supplementation.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency reads like a medical dictionary. They include:
•    Mitral valve prolapse
•    Cardiac arrythmias
•    Migraines
•    ADHD
•    Autism
•    Anxiety
•    Asthma
•    Allergies
•    Chronic Pain
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Chronic Fatigue
•    Muscle Spasms
•    Insomnia
•    Twitching & tremors
•    Swelling/edema
•    Weak pulse
•    Brain fog/confusion
•    Osteoporosis
•    Depression
•    Restless Leg Syndrome
•    Epilepsy
•    ALS
•    MS
•    Diabetes

Although not all of these can be directly linked to magnesium deficiency there is strong evidence that all of these can be helped by increasing magnesium intake. If you are suffering from any of these magnesium supplementation seems be a safe and simple thing to try before going on pharmaceuticals with side effects that can permanently damage the body.

Food sources for magnesium include:
•    Raw, grass-fed dairy products
•    Pumpkin seeds
•    Raw green veggies
•    Raw cacao (Organic Raw chocolate)
•    Pink salt and unrefined sea salts
•    Wild-caught fish
•    Sea vegetable - kelp/nori/dulse
•    Sprouted nuts/seeds
•    Avocados
•    Sprouted legumes
•    Quinoa
•    Summer Squash
•    Raspberries
•    Black Beans
•    Seafood

There are also many forms of magnesium supplements. They all have their benefits and drawbacks.
•    Magnesium citrate, loosens the bowels
•    Magnesium taurate targets the heart muscles
•    Magnesium malate increases energy
•    Magnesium glycinate
•    Magnesium carbonate reduces indigestion
•    Magnesium orotate also targets heart muscles

The worst forms of magnesium are:
•    Magnesium stearate – it’s not really a form of magnesium at all,
•    Magnesium oxide – is very poorly absorbed
•    Magnesium sulfate – should only be used topically
•    Magnesium glutamate and aspartate – these are neurotoxins

Any magnesium supplement that you take internally can cause some internal problems, but magnesium is one of those substances that can be absorbed through the skin. Epson salts is a form of magnesium that can be absorbed through a warm bath. Topical magnesium supplements have the advantage of being able to be applied quickly. They can later be washed or wiped off, or just left on.

You will not absorb more than you need.

Sources:
http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/news/breaking-news/survey-says-magnesium-may-save-health-care-costs
http://www.naturalnews.com/046058_magnesium_deficiency_symptoms_nutritional_supplements.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/046103_magnesium_citrate_malate_nutritional_supplements.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/046094_magnesium-rich_foods_sources_essential_minerals.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/046293_magnesium_stearate_health_supplements_harmful_additives.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/046401_magnesium_dietary_supplements_nutrient_absorption.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/046864_magnesium_mineral_deficiency_detox.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/047082_magnesium_multiple_sclerosis_epilepsy.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/047071_magnesium_congestive_heart_failure_attack.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/047647_magnesium_diabetes_essential_nutrient.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/047900_nutritional_supplements_magnesium_iodine.html

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Like most of the autoimmune diseases modern medicine does not truly understand the cause of Lupus. They have broken it down to three distinct versions of the problem. They are, in plain English, systemic, skin only and infantile. The systemic version is the most common.

Symptoms of systemic lupus include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. These symptoms are not consistent from person to person or even from one period of time to another. Because the symptoms seem to come and go they are referred to as flareups of the disease. Different things trigger these flareups in different people, though one that is pretty consistent is exposure to sunlight.

This is problematic in that Vitamin D deficiency is common among Lupus victims. Vitamin D also plays a large role in protecting us from many other chronic illnesses. Since people with Lupus have trouble spending time in the sun it is generally recommended that they take a Vitamin D supplement. Typical recommendations would be 10,000 units per day. Testing to monitor Vitamin D levels are also recommended.

Leaky gut syndrome is a very common issue that is related to autoimmune diseases like SLE. In these conditions, an abundance of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts take hold of the reigns of control in the gut and create inflammatory changes that damage the intestinal lining. This allows food particles to pass into the bloodstream. The undigested food particles are identified by the immune system and labeled as toxic invaders and a massive immune assault results. The most common recommendation for healing leaky gut syndrome is called the GAPS diet. These types of diets are very low in sugar and processed foods. They are high in fermented foods and often recommend taking probiotic supplements. Avoiding modern grown meats and dairy are also critical, but naturally grown versians of these products have been shown to be helpful.

Because many people with lupus go on to have high cholesterol and heart problems many doctors recommend that they take statins to try to prevent this. Although statins can be useful there come with some pretty serious problems. Among them are weakened muscles, including heart muscles. A study done with children with lupus has shown that there is no advantage to them taking statins.

Other illnesses that seem to occur more often with lupus patients than with the general population are leukemia and breast cancer. This may be because lupus interferes with the immune system in ways that normally protect us, or it may be because one of the common treatments for lupus is immune depressing drugs.

Other treatments that doctors use include NSAIDS. These come with their own sets of complications which can include kidney problems and ulcers. Some other attempts at treatment have also shown to be problematic. One such attempt was the off label use of a drug named Rituxan. Off label means that the FDA has not specifically approved that drug for that purpose. Rituxan has been approved for lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Two people died when prescribed the drug for their lupus.

Alfalfa is one supplement that has been found useful with lupus. Alfalfa is an antipyretic, which means it is a fever reducer. It is a diuretic, meaning it increases urination. It is an appetite stimulant, and is a hemostatic, which means it helps to stop bleeding. Alfalfa is mineral and vitamin rich. It is very high in the macro-nutrients calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Alfalfa has a high chlorophyll content, and contains almost every known vitamin. It has been clinically proven to reduce LDL cholesterol and shows promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Most autoimmune diseases can be managed with a diet rich in organic foods and eliminating all processed foods, especially sugar. Non dietary sources of toxins such as personal care products and air fresheners should also be avoided. Mild exercise and plenty of fresh air (although out of direct sunshine) has also been shown to be effective.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/037761_systemic_lupus_SLE_natural_remedies.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/030386_statin_drugs_children.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/034740_alfalfa_cholesterol_lupus.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/021374_off-label_prescribing_lupus.html
http://lupus.us.com/lupus-overview.html?utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=lupus&utm_medium=00_01_lupus&utm_term=lupus&utm_content=394249570
http://www.medicinenet.com/systemic_lupus/page5.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_systemic_lupus
http://www.medicinenet.com/systemic_lupus/page7.htm#what_is_the_prognosis_of_lupus_what_does_the_future_hold_for_people_with_systemiclupus

Beat Aging Naturally

We have all heard the story of two older women. One says "I want to grow old gracefully." The other one answers "I going to fight it kicking and screaming." There is something to be said for both approaches.

When I had just turned forty I mentioned a problem I was having to my doctor. Instead of asking more questions or doing some tests he answered, "Well, you are getting older." Even back then I knew enough to change doctors. Lazy doctors automatically blame aches, pains, indigestion, fuzzy thinking and the like on aging. Many in today's society think we are designed to fall apart after we turn forty, fifty at the latest. This is the furthest from the truth. There are real life people that are enjoying happy, healthy lives into their eighties, nineties and even over 100.

What can we do to be among those people as our birthdays begin to mount up?

Of all the studies on longevity and successful aging there are two key things that seem to make the biggest impact, diet and exercise. I know, that's the last thing you want to hear, but it is the truth. The problem is that everyone gets a different picture in their minds when they hear that phrase. Just what kind of diet and what kind of exercise works best?

Whether you refer to it as an Atkins style diet, a Ketogenic diet, or a Paleo diet you are getting close. They all have a few things in common, but they don't always completely hit the mark. This is because once again we all get a different picture in our minds as we read those words. So, what are the common denominators of these diets that work so well?

Get rid of:
•    Sugar and artificial sweeteners
•    Processed foods
•    Starches
•    Industrially grown fruits and vegetables
•    Industrially grown meats and dairy
•    Alcohol in excess
•    Tobacco products
•    Unnecessary medications

Add in:
•    Natural herbal sweeteners such as pure stevia, not an artificial sweetener made from stevia.
•    Home cooked meals
•    Low glycemic foods
•    Raw foods
•    Organically grown fruits and vegetables
•    Organic, free range meats, eggs and dairy
•    Good fats such as coconut, nuts, avacado, and real butter
•    Herbs, spices and supplements

By eating this way you are eliminating a majority of the toxins in our world. In addition to these things you can look for personal care and home care products that are made from all natural and safe ingredients. Watch the manufacturers, they have been known to call something natural and safe when it is the farthest thing from it. To be 100% sure you may decide to make your own.

The 'good' foods above, eaten in the right proportions improve your leptin and insulin receptors. This moves you away from diabetes and obesity and towards a strong and healthy metabolism. Numerous studies show a diet higher in good fats and clean proteins keep your appetite satisfied better. Unlike the high card, grain based diets you won't need to eat six times a day. Three or less meals a day will keep you perfectly happy and healthy.

Eating this way improves your thinking ability. Many people think that fuzzy thinking is a natural by product of aging. It's not. Fuzzy thinking can be caused by many different things. Things that we can control. Among them are:
•    Dehydration
•    Lack of good fats in the diet
•    Lack of magnesium
•    Lack of Vitamin D
•    Medications

Magnesium and Vitamin D also play a significant role in bone strength and health. Many people think of calcium when they think bone health. Without the proper amount of magnesium and Vitamin D that calcium cannot get into the bones. It ends up in places where it doesn't belong, such as joints and muscles. The image of a bent over little old man or woman can be a thing of the past. The truly healthy man or woman can walk straight and strong all of their days.

Another sign of aging that we think of as inevitable is a loss of eye sight. Dehydration can play a part of that as well. So can sugar and grains. Dropping these things from your diet can keep your eyesight strong for many more years.

Sometimes it is hard to get all your nutrition from your food. Do not be afraid of supplements. They may be just the thing to keep you from having to take medications. Turmeric is one that has been showing great promise in the area of aging. It has also been shown helpful in fighting degenerative diseases and even cancer.

Exercise also plays an important role in healthy aging. Many of the so called ageing diseases are really caused by a sedentary lifestyle instead of by the number of birthdays you have enjoyed. Once again, not all exercises are equal when it comes to aging. What should we be looking for? Things that build muscle! I think I just heard someone cringe. It used to be taught that as we age we automatically lose muscle, no matter what we do. Studies are showing that isn't 100% accurate. We may have to work harder to keep and build muscle, but it is possible to do so.

The biggest problem is that as we age we become more afraid of hurting ourselves. Therefore we don't climb the ladder that we used to climb without hesitation. We take the elevator instead of the stairs, because after all we have 'earned' it with the number of years we have lived. Our younger friends and family want to 'help' us by doing the lifting and carrying for us. The trouble with all these things is that they add up to less exercise, and especially of the type that builds muscles. The healthiest old people are the ones that have kept physically active! The harder that activity is the better! I have a relative whose father (and mother) still does roofing in his eighties! Looking at him you would think he was in his sixties! He has better arm muscles than most twenty year olds I know!

Diet and exercise. They are not the easiest things to incorporate into your lifestyle, but they could be the most important. A strong healthy body and an equally strong and healthy mind are rewards worth working towards.

Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/07/stress-reduction.aspx?e_cid=20131007Z1_DNL_art_2&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art2&utm_campaign=20131007Z1
http://products.mercola.com/magnesium-supplement/?e_cid=20131206Z1_DNL_art_1&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20131206Z1&et_cid=DM34528&et_rid=359115892
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S089158491300350X
http://www.naturalnews.com/043411_aging_natural_treatment_antioxidants.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/043986_allopathic_doctors_dollar_signs_elderly_patients.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/02/ketogenic-diet-health-benefits.aspx?e_cid=20140202Z1_SNL_Art_1&utm_source=snl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20140202Z1&et_cid=DM38949&et_rid=415000902
http://www.naturalnews.com/044835_vitamin_D_intelligence_cognitive_function.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/044900_telomeres_longevity_anti-aging_diet.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/26/secrets-longevity.aspx?e_cid=20140526Z1_DNL_art_2&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art2&utm_campaign=20140526Z1&et_cid=DM45583&et_rid=531858903
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/09/calorie-restriction-benefits.aspx?e_cid=20140609Z1_DNL_art_2&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art2&utm_campaign=20140609Z1&et_cid=DM46353&et_rid=548046770