According to various studies, magnesium is responsible for 300 to 800 enzymatic processes in the body. Magnesium deficiency lies at the heart of common modern health problems, due to its central role in activating 3,751 proteins and thousands of enzymatic processes. This discovery was made by Morley Robbins, creator of the magnesium-based treatment and prevention method – Root Cause Protocol. It aims to restore the balance of magnesium, copper, and iron in the body in order to optimize energy and increase vitality (editor's note). Many of these processes are related to the nervous system, which is why magnesium plays a decisive role in physiological and pathological function.
Here are a few ways magnesium acts in the body:
- facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – a molecule that provides energy;
- supports brain function;
- can potentially relieve mild headaches;
- contributes to proper nerve function;
- supports the health of the cardiovascular system and circulation;
- helps maintain optimal digestion;
- supports digestion and helps the body break down food for energy;*
- supports the regulation of blood sugar and can therefore relieve mild inflammation;
- supports healthy cell function, cell repair, and antioxidant status.
Does it matter whether we have a magnesium deficiency? In 1968, scientists Walker and Parisi found that magnesium deficiency can cause depression, behavioral disorders, headaches, muscle cramps, psychosis, and irritability. They argue that all these conditions are reversible through magnesium saturation. This is how adequate magnesium intake can help improve mood and promote calm. It is a natural way to relieve mild stress and the cascade of physiological reactions it triggers in the brain and body.
In cases of stress and mild anxiety, magnesium plays a vital role in regulating the body's response. Chronic physical or mental stress depletes magnesium stores, while low magnesium levels increase stress – creating a vicious cycle. Magnesium modulates the body's stress response system, and increasing its intake can relieve mild anxiety and stress.
For improving mood and against mild depression: Magnesium is essential for many of the enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Magnesium depletion is also linked to inflammation, which is known to contribute to symptoms of depression.
For restful sleep: Magnesium interacts with GABA – a neurotransmitter that reduces neuron activity in the brain, calms and relaxes the nervous system, and promotes restful sleep. It also affects melatonin – the hormone that influences the sleep-wake cycle and relaxes the muscles to induce deeper sleep. Studies show that magnesium increases total sleep time and sleep quality, and helps people fall asleep faster.
Against nighttime leg cramps and menstrual symptoms: Magnesium helps relax muscles and relieves mild leg cramps by reducing C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation, contributing to better rest. In addition, magnesium relieves mild premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus and reducing prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and uncomfortable periods.
But magnesium is much more than that. It is perhaps the most important mineral for achieving overall optimal health, which is why it is important for our diet to be rich in magnesium-rich foods. Find out which ones they are in part 2 of this article.
