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by Mark Sircus Ac., OMD
Magnesium of course is not the only nutrient whose deficiency is leading to broad problems of mind and emotion. Zinc is also an important mineral and involved with psychiatric disorders. Over 90 metallo-enzymes require zinc and the functioning of the brain is dependent on adequate levels of zinc. Deficiency can cause amnesia, apathy, depression, irritability, lethargy, mental retardation and paranoia. As it is for magnesium and zinc it is for a host of basic nutrients though it is the mineral deficiencies that are the most important. Numerous studies conducted in juvenile correctional institutions have reported that violence and serious antisocial behavior have been cut almost in half after implementing nutrient-dense diets. Magnesium deficiency or imbalance plays a crucial role in the symptoms of mood disorders. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between magnesium and aggression anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder depression and schizophrenia. The Department of Family Medicine, Pomeranian Medical Academy, states that dietetic factors can play a significant role in the origin of ADHD and magnesium deficiency can result in disruptive behaviors. Even a mild deficiency of magnesium can cause sensitiveness to noise, nervousness, irritability, mental depression, confusion, twitching, trembling, apprehension, and insomnia. Magnesium deficiency, even when mild, increases susceptibility to various types of neurological and psychological stressors in both animals and healthy human subjects. In 2000, the National Institute of Health (NIH) listed depression as a sign of magnesium deficiency. NIH defined magnesium deficiency symptoms as having three categories: Early symptoms include (one or more) irritability, anxiety (including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Tourette syndrome), anorexia, fatigue, insomnia, and muscle twitching. Other symptoms include apathy, confusion, poor memory, poor attention and the reduced ability to learn. Moderate deficiency symptoms can consist of the above and possibly rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular changes (some being lethal). Severe deficiency symptoms can include one or more of the above symptoms and more severe symptoms including full body tingling, numbness, a sustained contraction of the muscles along with hallucinations and delirium, (including depression) and finally dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease). Mild magnesium deficiency appears to be common among patients with disorders considered functional or neurotic and appears to contribute to a symptom complex that includes asthenia, sleep disorders, irritability, hyperarousal, spasm of striated and smooth muscle and hyperventilation. Normally joy, sadness and grief are parts of everyday life. While a short period of depression in our response to daily problems is normal, a long period of depression and sadness is abnormal. Most depressive episodes are triggered by a stressful personal event such as loss of a loved one or change of circumstances, and depression over a short period is a normal coping mechanism. Long-term stress-induced depression often results when magnesium falls to dangerously low levels in the body. One of the reasons it does this is because the stress itself depletes already meager cellular magnesium stores. Mark Sircus Ac., OMD Director International Medical Veritas Association http://www.MagnesiumForLife.com http://www.imva.info 55-83-3252-2195 www.skype.com ID: marksircus
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The communication is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Foods Containing Magnesium According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is essential for good health. Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps bones strong. Foods containing magnesium are: Halibut, cooked, 3 oz Almonds, dry roasted, 1 oz Cashews, dry roasted, 1 oz Soybeans, mature, cooked, ½ cup Spinach, frozen, cooked, ½ cup Nuts, mixed, dry roasted, 1 oz Cereal, shredded wheat, 2 rectangular biscuits Oatmeal, instant, fortified, prepared with water, 1 cup Potato, baked with skin, 1 medium Peanuts, dry roasted, 1 ounce Peanut butter, smooth, 2 Tbls Wheat Bran, crude, 2 Tbls Black-eyed Peas, ½ cup Yogurt, plain, skim milk, 8 fluid ozs Bran Flakes, ¾ cup Vegetarian Baked Beans, ½ cup Rice, brown, long-grained, ½ cup Lentils, mature seeds, ½ cup Avocado, California, ½ cup pureed Kidney Beans, canned, ½ cup Pinto Beans, ½ cup Wheat Germ, crude, 2 Tbls
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets.magnesium.asp
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Magnesium, Violence & Depression