Doctor Says Magnesium Fights the Flu, COPD and Insomnia
Magnesium boosts immunity.
Carolyn Dean, M.D. N.D. says magnesium deficiency is rampant in our modern diets and consuming magnesium can help prevent the flu and other immunity related disorders.
Magnesium deficiencies prevail
According to Dr. Dean, the magnesium content in the modern diet has sunk by about 60%. One hundred years ago, people consumed an average of 500 mg of magnesium daily. That number is now about 200 mg due to soil erosion and the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Natural composted fertilizers typically contain healthy amounts of magnesium, which are taken up by plants.
Dr. Dean added that magnesium deficiency contributes to a myriad of conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, fatigue, muscle cramping and inflammation.
Magnesium deficiency also contributes to a higher risk of influenza according to Dr. Dean.
“Doctors are not taught enough about magnesium, and the best magnesium blood test is done in only about 3 percent of the nation’s laboratories,” Dr. Dean said. “All the current medical research is driven by drug companies. You don’t have ‘mineral reps.’ going to doctors, so we’re ignoring an unpatented, well-proven solution.”
Four years ago, researchers from St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania studied 140 patient admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They found that low serum magnesium levels resulted in 77% higher readmission rates for the acute pulmonary condition. The researchers commented that, “lower serum magnesium level independently predicts readmission for COPD. This is an easily modifiable risk factor.”
Magnesium to help sleep
Magnesium has also been shown to be calming and can help sleep.
Magnesium is readily available in the form of dark greens, including kale and collard greens. Nuts, seeds and seaweed also tend to contain magnesium. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are relatively high in magnesium.
Magnesium can also be consumed by soaking in an Epsom salt bath. Magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt is readily absorbed through the skin. Dr. Dean suggests soaking daily and using one to two cups of Epsom salt per bath. More can be added for tight muscles or muscle injuries.
Magnesium supplements can also be added to the diet, but these are best used with a natural blend of other minerals that complement magnesium, including calcium, zinc and trace minerals. Mineral balance is critical for maintaining health.
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REFERENCES:
Bhatt SP, Khandelwal P, Nanda S, Stoltzfus JC, Fioravanti GT. Serum magnesium is an independent predictor of frequent readmissions due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Med. 2008 Jul;102(7):999-1003.
Dean C. The Magnesium Miracle. Ballantine, 2006.
