Author AnytimeFitnessCOMO

Magnesium- A Powerful Mineral

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It is safe to assume that until recent times, the power of magnesium, a mineral, has been grossly underestimated. Magnesium is required within the human body to help naturally detoxify the body, it is also an integral component of a large network (over 300 plus) enzymes required for functions ranging from digestion to efficiently producing energy, activating muscles, ensuring the proper functioning of nerves, processing nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The use of magnesium within the body is so wide and diverse that a deficiency can essentially stall many functions causing irreversible damages. However, detecting a magnesium deficiency is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Less than 1% of the human body’s total supply of magnesium is stored in the blood and the rest is found embedded within our bones and other organs where it helps perform a plethora of biological functions, therefore, making detection of magnesium or lack thereof a very difficult task for a health professional. So what may be some of the many implications of living with a magnesium deficiency? Well, for starters, magnesium deficiency has been blamed for both acute and chronic disorders ranging from migraines, fatigue, insomnia, most types of cancers, heart diseases, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is also to be blamed for health conditions including but not limited to weight gain, difficulty losing weight or maintaining healthy weight, slow muscle development, asthma, skin disorders, bone deformities, osteoporosis, and emotional conditions such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. This mineral if lacking, can also result in formation of clots, hypertension, cysts, acne, dental decay, reproductive disorders, and liver diseases.

So, what can lead to a magnesium deficiency? First response, our diet, or lack thereof, especially, if the diet is rich in sugars and processed foods. How do you determine if you indeed have acquired a magnesium deficiency? If one or more of these symptoms persist: frequent migraines, depression, fatigue, sudden changes in body weight, muscle aches, insomnia, and numbness or tingling in your extremities, chances are you are on your way to developing magnesium deficiency related disorders. So, the million dollar question, how do you prevent this health condition from expanding? Add avocados, sunflower seeds, greek yogurt, almonds, green leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate to the daily diet. Also, applying magnesium salts/oils on the skin may prove to be beneficial. Under certain circumstances, your health professional may determine that taking a supplement may be the best route to take, however, please note, magnesium supplements come in varying chemical compositions and taking something self prescribed over the counter can prove to be very harmful, therefore, please make such choices only after your respective health professional has approved it for your individual case.

This article is not intended to help diagnose or treat magnesium related health disorders. This is an informative and educational article and not intended to act in lieu of medical advice you must seek from your health professional.

 

Dietary RX for Pain Management

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While there are many chemical formulas readily available to treat and manage pain, side effects accompanying them can sometimes prove to be more detrimental. Many foods contain powerful healing abilities, not to mention, they come without side effects and can be obtained without breaking the bank. Colorful fruits and vegetables could be converted to the new medicine cabinet, they are inexpensive in the long term, and they taste so much better.

Although, there are many foods, herbs, and spices that could be used for pain management, I will outline the most easily available seasonal items known to have pain reliving powers and have been evaluated for their benefits by several scientific studies, additionally, I have outlined foods that are not merely in use due to anecdotal evidence. Of course, if one suffers from chronic pains resulting from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other such conditions, these foods could be used in addition to prescribed pain management treatments under the care of a health professional.

Foods (RX) for Pain Management:

  1. Grapes: known to contain an anti-inflammatory compound called resveratrol. This compound can help reduce inflammation thus decreasing pain. Resveratrol can be found in berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
  2. Cherries: A recent study at the University of Michigan revealed that cherries can have similar effects in the body as that of aspirin. In fact, tart cherry extract was proven to be at least ten folds stronger than aspirin.
  3. Ginger: this root has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries in parts of Asia. Ginger is known to reduce pain causing prostaglandins and reducing associated inflammation. In fact, ginger can be used for nausea, migraines, and several muscular aches and pains.
  4. Turmeric: this novel spice deserves an exclusive article on the many cancer fighting, anti-oxidant, and pain relieving benefits. Use of curcumin or turmeric can be very effective in combating pain associated with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Has been shown to be very effective against chronic muscular distress and pain.
  5. Salmon: this omega-3 fatty acid rich fish has proven to be beneficial when dealing with osteoarthritis and joint pains. Omega -3 fatty acids when consumed are converted to hormone like substances and if consumed regularly, can destroy almost 50% of cytokines (compounds that cause inflammation of joints).
  6. Walnuts: both raw walnuts and walnut oils are rich in anti-inflammatory substances that would help decrease muscle and joint pain. Aside from being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are rich in magnesium, a mineral known for its muscle relaxant qualities.
  7. Flax seed oil/Olive oil: these omega-3 rich oils can function as strong anti-inflammatories and pain blockers in the body, in addition to providing lubrication for the joints and being very helpful in the management of osteoarthritis and other joint pains.
  8. Coffee: If you have observed, most OTC pain medications come with added caffeine. In moderation, coffee can be used as a pain reliever and post-workout relaxant. In fact, it has been common practice to use caffeine as a treatment for minor headaches and migraines in many cultures.
  9. Sage: sage has been used to treat minor throat issues like tonsillitis, mouth ulcers, and gum disease for centuries. Sage contains an anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid which can help sooth muscles by combating inflammation thus relieving pain caused by the inflammation.

Pain management treatments are limitless when ones kitchen is the active medicine cabinet.

 

Disclaimer: It is a good idea to consult with your health professional before starting any regimen especially if one has any preexisting conditions or, you are pregnant, nursing, and/or taking prescription medication.