What is the cause of the low mangesium epidemic?

Having identified that researchers believe there is an epedemic of low magnesium causes by our diets and lifestyles.  So what is it we are doing that is the cause of  the low magnesium epedmic.

1. Sweet foods

Refined sugar found in pastries, cakes, desserts, sweets etc contains no magnesium and causes the body to excrete magnesium.

2. Physical and emotional stress

Physcial stress e.g. surgery and emotional stress e.g. moving house, grief can cause a magnesium deficiency. In studies, adrenaline and cortisol by products of the “fight or flight” stress reaction assoicated with stress and anxeity were associated with decreated magnesium.  This is because stressful situations require more magnesium use by the body which can lead to a deficiency.  A lack of magnesium tends to magnify the stress reaction, worsening the problem.

3. Medication

The effects of certain drugs

  • Diuretics
  • Heart medications
  • Asthma medications
  • Birth control pills
  • Estrogen replacement therapy

have been shown to reduce mangesium levles in the body be increasing the loss through excretion by the kidneys.

References

Dean C. The Magnesium Miracle. New York: Ballantine Books; 2007.

 

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