Lacking Energy? Check Your Magnesium Level

Often we blame low energy levels on lack of sleep, bad food, chasing after the kids or busy weekends. But what happens when you can’t get your energy levels back up, even if you have enough sleep?

Look to your magnesium levels, suggests experts. A study by ARS physiologist Henry C. Lukasi and nutritionist Forrest H. Neilsen has revealed important findings on the effects of depleted body magnesium levels on energy metabolism.

The experts showed that inadequate magnesium is associated with a need for increased oxygen during exercise. They found that during moderate activity, those with low magnesium levels in muscle are likely to use more energy, and therefore to tire more quickly than those with adequate levels.

The first phase of the study involved 10 postmenopausal women with a controlled diet adequate in magnesium for 35 days. In the next phase, a low-magnesium diet provided less than half the recommended daily intake for 93 days. The final phase provided a diet adequate in magnesium for 49 days.

The volunteers were subjected to exercise tests at the end of each dietary phase, along with biochemical and physiological tests.

After consuming the low-magnesium diet, volunteers showed a significant overall loss of magnesium. They had lowered muscle levels of magnesium, and their red blood cells were at the low end of the normal range.

The data shows that during the low-magnesium-status phase, the volunteers used more oxygen during physical activity, and their heart rates increased by about 10 beats per minute. “When the volunteers were low in magnesium, they needed more energy and more oxygen to do low-level activities than when they were in adequate-magnesium status,” says Lukaski.

Emed’s Comment:

Translation? The higher your magnesium level, the more energy you have. The lower your magnesium level, the harder your body has to work, resulting in less energy.

Though this was a small-scale study targeting a specific group, we can apply these results to practically anyone – especially busy, hard-working and time poor people who need all the energy they can get.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, many of which help keep not only bones strong, but the heart rhythm healthy and the nervous system functioning smoothly. Magnesium is involved in energy production, muscle relaxation, and bone and tooth formation. In conjunction with calcium and potassium, magnesium regulates heart rhythm, and it also plays a role in the production and use of insulin.

A deficiency of magnesium can result in ailments like irregular heartbeat, fatigue, muscle spasms and cramps (most common), irritability, nervousness, confusion and even raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Supplementation with magnesium can sometimes be a shot in the dark. Sure, we could rely on the ‘recommended daily intake’ amounts, but this is no true indication of how much YOU need.

The Emed Magnesium Level Test will solve this dilemma for you. This basic test will reveal your exact magnesium levels, the best magnesium supplements for you and nutritional strategies to regulating your magnesium level. Not only will this test save you money in doctor’s bills; it will also help you to decide the best supplement for you. To find out more about this important test, please click here.

Combining the Magnesium Level Test with the Emed Online Consultation is an ideal approach to achieving optimum health. The detailed report generated from the questionnaire will provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. You will find out the exact supplements you need to take to promote good health and reduce your susceptibility for disease and illness. Click here for more information.

What else can I do?

  • Look to your diet. Eating a poor diet high in processed, fatty and salty foods leaches magnesium from your body and promotes an ideal environment for ill health. Eating plenty of fresh, leafy greens, lean meats, fruit and vegies and you’ll give yourself the best chance of achieving great health naturally. Read ‘Health Promoting Nutrition’ for more information.
  • Boost your energy levels with a good multi. B-group vitamins are pivotal in the promotion and maintenance of good energy levels. Invest in a good multivitamin and feel the difference everyday. Click here for Emed’s Best Multivitamins.
  • Already taking a magnesium supplement? Stop taking inferior products – the ‘cheap’ varieties from the supermarket and chemist often contain the wrong form of magnesium. You might as well throw your money down the drain. Visit Emed’s Best Magnesium Supplements for the best, strongest and most effective products around.
  • Exercise much? Believe it or not, exercising regularly is a great way to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Not only will it boost your energy levels, you will also feel good, look good and be healthy. Read ‘Stretching and Exercise‘ for more information.

Further Reading