The Magnesium Miracle

by Paulette Avery, R.N., M.S.N., I.B.C.L.C.

"Laboratory tests prove that the fruits, the vegetables, the grains, the eggs, and even the milk and the meats of today are not what they were a few generations ago. No man today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply the stomach with the mineral salts he requires for perfect health, because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them! And we are turning into a nation of big stomachs."

This quotation comes from the introduction to the book, The Magnesium Miracle, by Carolyn Dean, M.D, N.D., but Dr. Dean didn't write that statement. It came from the 74^th Congress, 2^nd Session, Senate document no. 264, and was written in 1936! Unfortunately, the situation has not improved nearly a century later. In fact, it has gotten worse, and according to Dean's book, the mineral deficiency that may be the most alarming is magnesium deficiency. It is vital that we have sufficient magnesium levels in our bodies because magnesium regulates more than 125 enzymes in the human body some of which "produce, transport, store and utilize energy."

Dr. Dean first became aware of what magnesium can do as a second-year medical student. She observed a medical emergency when a young woman in labor began convulsing with rapidly rising blood pressure. The woman's doctor injected a vial of magnesium sulfate into the IV. Very quickly the convulsions stopped and the woman's blood pressure began to return to normal. Impressed by this case and interested in finding alternatives to prescription drugs with their sometimes dangerous side effects, Dean went on to study nutrition and alternative medicine and eventually became a naturopathic doctor in addition to her medical degree. (Naturopathy emphasizes the body's ability to heal itself and makes use of herbs and foods rather than surgery and prescription drugs.) She is also a researcher, writer, and consultant.

Magnesium can be useful in treating numerous health conditions. Dean believes most everyone can benefit from magnesium supplementation. Check her Web site for additional information and the names of specific products at www.carolyndean.com. She also offers phone consultations for anyone desiring personalized recommendations for their particular health concerns, and to find out in which conditions magnesium supplementation should be avoided.

And continuing in the vein of natural solutions for health problems, consider this suggestion for high blood pressure: Eat a cup of celery every day! Eating celery is a common treatment in China for high blood pressure and may lower mild to moderately high blood pressure (140-180/95-114) as effectively as prescription drugs and without the unpleasant side effects. I've found that two large stalks will give you about a cup. Remember to leave the strings on rather than peel it. Desired results may be achieved within one to two weeks.

As always at this time of year, I wish each of you a blessed holiday season.'

Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and a freelance writer who specializes in health issues.