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Before I even talk about training aspects, let me first take you down the road my wife was the past few years. She had severe restless legs syndrome and were continuously fatigued. Those that have severe restless legs syndrome will know that it can drive one crazy!
After many prescribed medications was tried, I got here to do some extensive blood-work tests.
A surprise was that she had very low magnesium levels in her blood.
Immediately the light went on! Magnesium plays a crucial factor in various muscle related functions as well as energy and ATP related functions in the body. It even have an impact on the nervous system and skeletal bone maintenance.
She was put on high dosage slow released magnesium supplements and within just a few days her restless legs syndrome disappeared. For her it was like a miracle. Her energy levels also drastically increased.
Slow Mag is now part of her daily supplementation.
This is a mineral that is so underrated. By far the greatest majority (in excess of 70%) of people is deficient of magnesium.
For the bodybuilder, a magnesium deficiency presents a big problem:
He WILL struggle to build muscle, feel fatigued and energy less continuously.
Being deficient will even result in an immune system being under pressure, thus further impact on available gym time. Thus also why critically important that any hiv+ person must make sure he/she supplement with slow mag.
Athletes and bodybuilder need more nutrients than less active people. So it will be a given that you will require supplementation of magnesium.
Magnesium further helps the bodybuilder to reduce the accumulation of lactic acid and reducing the perception of fatigue during heavy training.
Magnesium even helps lowering the blood pressure resulting in healthier kidneys and heart.
To sum it up, the bodybuilder will struggle severely to build muscles when magnesium deficient. He will be regularly sick due to compromised immune system, more prone to become diabetic and have a much higher risk for heart disease. His energy levels will be severely compromised and he will feel on edge the whole time…and much more!
Extract from www.livestrong.com:
“If your diet consistently falls short on magnesium, the resulting chronically low levels can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and Type 2 diabetes, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. A significant association exists between the amount of magnesium you consume and your overall risk for cardiovascular disease, reported a review in PLoS One in March 2013. Getting enough magnesium in your diet also helps lower inflammation, which may fight health conditions accompanied by inflammation, such as diabetes and heart disease, according to a review in the February 2014 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”
Magnesium plays a key role in hundreds of cellular processes, from metabolizing food into energy and absorbing calcium to maintaining a strong immune system and keeping your heart, muscles, and nerves functioning properly.
Magnesium relaxes muscles and is anti-inflammatory. This mineral also has a laxative effective, so it can help relieve constipation. Magnesium has also been found to have a protective effect against stress. Take 200 to 300 milligrams per day of the mineral magnesium (unless you have kidney problems or you’re prone to diarrhea).
Extract from www.organicfacts.net:
Prevents Asthma – Patients that suffer from chronic asthma may be able to normalize their breathing with the help of magnesium supplements that aid in relaxing the bronchial muscles and regulating breathing. Even wheezing and breathlessness can be relieved through administration of intravenous magnesium.
Keeps bones healthy – Magnesium is directly related to bone density, and subsequently, an inadequacy of this mineral in the body can be a cause of osteoporosis. Magnesium helps in the regulation of calcium levels in the body, along with vitamin D, copper, and zinc. Magnesium, along with calcium and Vitamin D, should be taken throughout the developmental years and adulthood, since it eliminates the chances of developing osteoporosis when you get older.
Essential during pregnancy – Magnesium is one of the vital elements to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Proper intake of magnesium supplements during pregnancy is extremely beneficial for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and increasing the pain tolerance level, thereby resulting in a smooth delivery process and an optimization of blood pressure. Magnesium sulfate is the best treatment for preventing eclamptic seizures in expectant mothers who may have hypertension.
Treats back pain and cramps – Magnesium helps treating people with severe backaches by relaxing back muscles, kidney stress and muscular tension. As mentioned earlier, magnesium also helps in the body’s absorption of calcium, which may lead to faster healing of the bones. Symptoms of cramps in the legs, as well as general fatigue are traditional symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Therefore, proper intake of magnesium supplements acts as a cure for chronic leg cramp problems.
Prevents heart attack – Deficiency of magnesium can result in heart disease, often leading to fatal results. Deficiency of magnesium brings a long list of hazards to your heart. Magnesium protects the heart from irregular heartbeats and tenderly shields your heart from damage, particularly from muscle stress. Magnesium actually calms the nerves and mediates digestive processes and prevents problems like vomiting, cramps, indigestion, abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation, all of which can put undue stress on various parts of your cardiovascular system.
Prevents constipation – Magnesium provides quick relief from constipation, and a high dose of water-soluble magnesium supplements is known to bring sound relief for even the most severe constipated state. This laxative property of magnesium relaxes the intestinal muscles, thereby helping to establish a smoother rhythm while passing bowels. Magnesium also has another property of attracting water, which in turn softens the stool and helps it to pass easily.
Prevents diabetes and regulates sugar level – The health benefits of magnesium extend to diabetic patients also, as this mineral helps to regulate the insulin reaction to blood sugar levels. Magnesium supplements are vital for all diabetic patients as many of them suffer from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium aids in regulating blood sugar status, thus promoting normal blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the major reasons for an impending heart attack, and it has been found that many people with high blood pressure also have a magnesium deficiency. Therefore, extra nutrients and mineral supplements with magnesium content are vital in order to avoid any medical complications.
Cures psychiatric disorders – Magnesium is known to cure some of the worst forms of psychiatric dysfunctions such as panic attacks, stress, anxiety and undue agitation.
Cures migraines – Migraine attacks badly affect many Americans, especially, females. Magnesium supplements and liquids considerably reduce the severity of such attacks and may also help in reducing the rate of recurrence.
Produces collagen –Magnesium is important for producing proteins that are slowly transformed into collagen. Collagens are naturally occurring proteins mostly found in fibrous tissues like tendons, ligaments and the skin. It is also present in the cornea, bones, the gut, cartilage, blood vessels, and intervertebral discs. The more collagen in the system, the stronger those areas of the body will become.
Absorb minerals –Magnesium helps to absorb vital vitamins and minerals like sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Mineral absorption usually occurs within the small intestine and this benefit of magnesium ensures the detoxification of many harmful toxins in our body.
Activates enzymes – Magnesium also helps to boost the energy production in the body and it promotes theactivation of enzymes to create cellular energy.
Controls bladder functions – Many people who have blabber problems and suffer from the frequent urge to urinate may find relief by taking magnesium supplements. Urination problems can come from a variety of reasons such as nephritis, infections, or sometimes interstitial cystitis; however, regular intake of magnesium can bring great relief to these ailments.
