A DEFICIENCY IN THIS CRITICAL nutrient makes you twice as likely to die as other people, according to a study published in The Journal of Intensive Care Medicine.(i) It also accounts for a long list of symptoms and diseases — which are easily helped and often cured by adding this nutrient. In fact, in my practice, this nutrient is one of my secret weapons against illness. Yet up to half of Americans are deficient in this nutrient and don’t know it.
I’m talking about magnesium.
It is an antidote to stress, the most powerful relaxation mineral available, and it can help improve your sleep.
I find it very funny that more doctors aren’t clued in to the benefits of magnesium, because we use it all the time in conventional medicine. But we never stop to think about why or how important it is to our general health or why it helps our bodies function better.
I remember using magnesium when I worked in the emergency room. It was a critical “medication” on the crash cart. If someone was dying of a life-threatening arrhythmia (or irregular heart beat), we used intravenous magnesium. If someone was constipated or needed to prepare for colonoscopy, we gave them milk of magnesia or a green bottle of liquid magnesium citrate, which emptied their bowels. If pregnant women came in with pre-term labor, or high blood pressure of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) or seizures, we gave them continuous high doses of intravenous magnesium.
But you don’t have to be in the hospital to benefit from getting more magnesium. You can start taking regular magnesium supplementation today and see results.
The Relaxation Mineral
Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff — whether it is a body part or an even a mood — is a sign of magnesium deficiency.
This critical mineral is actually responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all of your tissues — but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain. You must have it for your cells to make energy, for many different chemical pumps to work, to stabilize membranes, and to help muscles relax.
When was the last time you had a good dose of seaweed, nuts, greens, and beans? If you are like most Americans, your nut consumption mostly comes from peanut butter.
That is why the list of conditions that are found related to magnesium deficiency is so long. In fact, there are over 3,500 medical references on magnesium deficiency!
Even so, this mineral is mostly ignored because it is not a drug, even though it is MORE powerful than drugs in many cases. That’s why we use it in the hospital for life-threatening and emergency situations like seizures and heart failure.
You might be magnesium deficient if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Anxiety
- Autism
- ADD
- Palpitations
- Angina
- Constipation
- Anal spasms
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Asthma
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- PMS
- Menstrual cramps
- Irritable bladder
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Reflux
- Trouble swallowing
Magnesium deficiency has even has been linked to inflammation in the body and higher CRP levels.
In our society, magnesium deficiency is a huge problem. By conservative standards of measurement (blood, or serum, magnesium levels), 65 percent of people admitted to the intensive care unit — and about 15 percent of the general population — have magnesium deficiency.
But this seriously underestimates the problem, because a serum magnesium level is the LEAST sensitive way to detect a drop in your total body magnesium level. So rates of magnesium deficiency could be even higher!
The reason we are so deficient is simple: Many of us eat a diet that contains practically no magnesium — a highly-processed, refined diet that is based mostly on white flour, meat, and dairy (all of which have no magnesium).
When was the last time you had a good dose of sea vegetables (seaweed), nuts, greens, and beans? If you are like most Americans, your nut consumption mostly comes from peanut butter, and mostly in chocolate peanut butter cups.
Much of modern life conspires to help us lose what little magnesium we do get in our diet. Magnesium levels are decreased by excess alcohol, salt, coffee, phosphoric acid in colas, profuse sweating, prolonged or intense stress, chronic diarrhea, excessive menstruation, diuretics (water pills), antibiotics and other drugs, and some intestinal parasites. In fact, in one study in Kosovo, people under chronic war stress lost large amounts of magnesium in their urine.
This is all further complicated by the fact that magnesium is often poorly absorbed and easily lost from our bodies. To properly absorb magnesium we need a lot of it in our diet, plus enough vitamin B6, vitamin D, and selenium to get the job done.
A recent scientific review of magnesium concluded, “It is highly regrettable that the deficiency of such an inexpensive, low-toxicity nutrient results in diseases that cause incalculable suffering and expense throughout the world.” (ii) I couldn’t’ have said it better myself.
It is difficult to measure and hard to study, but magnesium deficiency accounts for untold suffering — and is simple to correct. So if you suffer from any of the symptoms I mentioned or have any of the diseases I noted, don’t worry — it is an easy fix!! Here’s how.
Stop Draining Your Body of Magnesium
- Limit coffee, colas, salt, sugar, and alcohol
- Learn how to practice active relaxation
- Check with your doctor if your medication is causing magnesium loss (many high blood pressure drugs or diuretics cause loss of magnesium)
Eat Foods High in Magnesium
Include the following in your diet as often as you can:
Kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds, cashews, buckwheat, brazil nuts, dulse, filberts, millet, pecans, walnuts, rye, tofu, soy beans, brown rice, figs, dates, collard greens, shrimp, avocado, parsley, beans, barley, dandelion greens, and garlic
Take Magnesium Supplements
- The RDA (the minimum amount needed) for magnesium is about 300 mg a day. Most of us get far less than 200 mg.
- Some may need much more depending on their condition.
- Most people benefit from 400 to 1,000 mg a day.
- The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good.
- Avoid magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements).
- Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate.
- Most minerals are best taken as a team with other minerals in a multi-mineral formula.
- Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is a good way to absorb and get much needed magnesium.
People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor’s supervision.
So if you’re coping with the symptoms here, relax! Magnesium is truly a miracle mineral. It is essential for lifelong vibrant health.
Now I’d like to hear from you…
Do you suffer from any of the symptoms I’ve mentioned?
Do you currently take a magnesium supplement? What results have you noticed?
Which of the tips mentioned above do you plan to try?
Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, MD
References
(i) Tong, GM and RK Rude. 2005. Magnesium deficiency in critical illness. J Intensive Care Med 20 (1):3-17. Review.
(ii) S. Johnson. 2001. The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency. Med Hypotheses 56(2): 163-70
I was having a real problem with constant dehydration and cramping of muscles–especially in my feet, toes, & hands. I ended up in the hospital last winter with a simple virus, and my magnesium was so low that they gave me a magnesium I.V. That felt wonderful but after I left the hospital it wasn’t long before I was cramping again. I exercise nearly every day, and I sweat a lot. I got to the point that I was almost afraid to exercise because I knew my muscles would be cramping that night. I took a magnesium supplement each day, but it didn’t seem to do any good. I finally ordered a time-release magnesium that you take four times a day. It costs a little more than most magnesium, but I noticed a difference right away. Within a few days, I was not cramping anymore, and I felt better emotionally. I’m convinced magnesium is one of the most important things I’ve done for my body.
I have followed your program and have attended seminars on supplements to help with anxiety and depression. Now I am pregnant, and have no idea what amounts of supplements are appropriate/ safe while pregnant to help ward off depression, sleep depravation, and anxiety. I have been taking Integrative Therapeutics Multiplex-2 without iron, Integrative Therapeutics Tyler mineral complex w/o iron, and Integrative Therapeutics PurEFA fish oil.
I need recommended amounts for the vitamins / minerals in the Ultrawellnes Guide for PREGNANCY please. Thanks in advance! You have helped me tremendously with feeling healthy and balanced, I just want to avoid falling back into depression.
Nikitha you wrote:
“I have followed your program and have attended seminars on supplements to help with anxiety and depression. Now I am pregnant, and have no idea what amounts of supplements are appropriate/ safe while pregnant to help ward off depression, sleep depravation, and anxiety. I have been taking Integrative Therapeutics Multiplex-2 without iron, Integrative Therapeutics Tyler mineral complex w/o iron, and Integrative Therapeutics PurEFA fish oil.
I need recommended amounts for the vitamins / minerals in the Ultrawellnes Guide for PREGNANCY please. Thanks in advance! You have helped me tremendously with feeling healthy and balanced, I just want to avoid falling back into depression.”
Unfortunately, due to the number of queries Dr. Hyman cannot answer questions of this nature at this time. However, Maggie Ward, MS, the nutrition director at the UltraWellness Center offers the following response:
You will want to look for high-quality pregnancy package such as Metagenics Pregnancy packs. It’s important to include fish oil as part of your supplement regimen–the Metagenics pack has this in it. You should also probably start taking some iron, as anemia is more common in pregnancy. Many multis like the ones mentioned above contain iron. In terms of dosage, the main thing you want to watch for is overdoing the vitamin A. You should take no more than 10,000IU of vitamin A a day. Vitamin A in the form of beta or mixed carotenoids is better. Other vitamins and minerals are less of a risk. The key is to invest in high-quality supplements–many companies now produce pregnancy packages and some, like the Metagenics package mentioned above, are quite good.
I am a sufferer of not only daily migraine with aura , low thyroid, lots of auto immune disorders, but also almost all the symptoms of magesium deficiency except my blood pressure is always low. I take a lot of Mag. supplements but have only found the type Dr. Harmon does not recommend, I need to try and find the good type. I really want off all the meds as I they change who I am, make me not be the mom I want to be, and make me feel awful. I am cognitively impaired, my hair falls out and worst of all, my temper, I have become foul mouthed and so short tempered. I can’t seem to stop, and I and my kids deserve better. I just put Dr. Hyman’s books on hold at my local library and and can’t wait to read them and try and get healthy and get my life back.
Dr Hyman, If Magnesium is nephrotoxic, is that safe to take it if I have only one kidney due to history of a nephrectomy in the past?
Margarita,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have several of the symptoms that you refer to in your article and am looking forward to taking magnesium to help improve my health.
What is the best source of magnesium?
Best regards,
Terry
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I thought cramps, high BP, palpitations was related to salt or potassium intake. This article opened my eyes up to the third triad, magnesium.
I will pay more attention to magnesium and do a little more research on it. I know the other two didn’t help too much with my problems, maybe this is why?
But it’s hard to say….
I take a foodbased calcium with 250 mg. of magnesium a day (2 tablets) to stay regular, since aging seems to have made me less so (probably too little exercise also). It works very well.
I have been preaching the benefits of magnesium for years. Many years ago, around the time I would get my period each month, I would get large bumps on my back or around my neck or shoulders. These would be very painful and almost debilatating causing a stiff neck or shoulder for approximately a week. When I questioned the doctors they offered no explanation or solution. I was talking with a pharmacist one day and asked him if he knew of anything. He showed me an article about magnesium and how it helped to ease the pain caused by the menstrual cycle. I have been taking magnesium every day since then. It took about 30 days before I never had the lumps or pain again. Since then periodically I see other studies and reports talking about the benefits of magnesium. I truly believe this is a miracle drug and am very grateful for the information you have shared with us in this article. Thanks
I began presenting posters at A4M in 1998 and continued for several years. Topic was MAGNESIUM.
It was rewarding and reassuring to note that several years later physicians presented similar posters with the bibliography I had used earlier.
What is safe reliable way to determine Mg level in 5 year old girl with Rett Syndrome?
Thank you.
Thank you, K, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
What is your thoughts about taking magnesium trans dermally. Is it as effective as taking capsules.?
Thank you, Susan, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have fibromyaligia, and chronic scar tissue, and I need way more magnesium than even a 1000 mg, so I now take two a day for more relief, and even with that I still want chocolate, but I will look into the time release supplements, thanks for that comment, that might be what I need.
i am taking 300 mg bid. i have muscle spasms (severe) . i have been diagnosed with lyme, “profound” low thyroid, food allergies, heavy metaals, esp lead and cadium. i live in an area (upper penninsula mi) that is lacking in general, for wholistic medicine. i am going to one 2 l/2 hrs away/ he did diagnose thyroid and is having me take selium and vit a 10,000 units and my temp is going up and slowly increasing it. but i still have the spasms. any suggestions? i know i am a complicated case but just thought i would ask.
thank you for your consideration.
Thank you, Lu, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been taking magnesium citrate for years for general health reasons as you mention above. A couple of years ago my husband was diagnosed with high blood pressure. At that time he was 73 but slim, physically fit and active. His doctor put him on Diovan for high blood pressure, it made him tired and in general he started looking and acting like an old man. He has always been resistant to taking supplements as he felt he didn’t need them. Now he is taking 340 mg of magnesium citrate a day, his blood pressure has returned to normal and he has been off the blood pressure medication for more than a year, his energy level is good and again he has a great outlook on life, something he was beginning to lose while on the Diovan.
Thanks for a very informative article.
Ahhh, I vote for a long soak in a warm tub.
Nothing like a soak with Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate absorbed through the skin layer).
Stress from raking leaves goes away, and a great sleep follows. Amazing how simple this is…
Dr.Hyman, Your information on magnesium is so very informitive as is presented in all your news letters !!
I have just one question about the kinds of magnesium you recomended as
I have been reading a lot on this subject from another doctor who specializes ln the magnesium type we should take and he makes it a point that Magnesium
chloride is what we should be useing ?
Could you please comment on that for me ?
Thank you so much.
Bill
I take a combined magnesium capsule of 300mg/day but realise I will have to find a greater dose and one of the more absorbable forms as mine doesn’t have the mentioned compounds. I do eat a healthy diet, exercise most days and wouldn’t say I display a deficiency in magnesium. Thanks for the above information, I will get the right magnesium supplement sorted now.
What about so-called magnesium oil (supplied, for example, by Dr Mercola) which, it is claimed, enters the system via the skin?
I have been eating foods containing magnesium plus I take a supplement and have noticed a big improvement in my sleeping. I used to have cramping in my feet, but now that is gone. I have told my daughters to get plenty of magnesium – they suffer from menstrual cramping. I appreciate Dr. Hyman so much.
My husbanf and I both have a tendency to have afib,he has had an abla tion and I have been cardio converted twice. If we aren’t faithful to taking mg we both will go into afib. And it doesn’t cost 1,000 dollars a month and have side effects.
youre wonderful dr. hyman .
I am a graduate or the IIN program
What about so-called ‘magnesium oil’ applied topically?
My daughter has been diagnosed with OCD. Here again, a named disease. As such she is being treated with the standard medical prescription of therapy, and medications by a psychiatrist. I have been trying to find a “functional medical practicing doctor in her area(charleston. S.C.)to no avail. In reading your books and emails,. I am fully aware that the OCD has it’s roots somewhere else and treatment with drugs is not the answer. My personal(lay person) diagnosis is that her root problem stems from a Hormonal imbalance. Blood test prove this out in that sshe is 29 years old and her progesterone level is that of a woman in menapause. She is also Estrogen dominant, and her DHEA levels are also low. I also feel that it might stem from the Intestinal tract. Are you aware of any functional doctors in her area? If she was to come to your facility, can she be treated after the initial visit long distance? I realize that you can not make an evaluation without seeing her, but just wanted to know if OCD can be treated in a functional way?
Thanks
Thom Walsh
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have had Arrythmatic Heart Beat Episodes since Easter 1995. Mg Foods have kept my heart healthy. Also Physillium and Black Tea without milk and Sugar are Mg enriched. The only problem I have with my heart is a stiffened Aortic Valve which I got on the day of wife’s funeral 15th September 1996. No problems with it. Doctors here in Australia get freebies from drug companies to peddle theikr drugs, Warfarin and Heparin. There are natural food blood thinners. Look them up.
i have been taking magnesium oxide for constipation. i feel so much better. no more going for weeks at a time with out a bowel movement. i take the supplements before going to bed to give them time to work… I noticed I had been sleeping sounder without waking up every couple of hours or so. I checked online and sure enough it also helps as a sleep aid. I am so glad I found this information because i had been eating more fiber, drinking lots of water and even when taking a laxative it would only help a little. i felt full and bloated all the time. it was soooo uncomfortable. now i go every day. its wonderful. never thought just regular bowel movements could help my dispositon so much!
I have Atrial Fibrillation with no underlying heart problems. I had read that magnesium would help with that problem so I started taking it. However, I ran out and failed to replenish it. I began having frequent A Fib episodes. My doctor put me on Multaq. I had no A Fib for six weeks and then I began having it more frequently than ever. I read that Multaq interacts with calcium channel blockers which I was taking and that it could cause arrhythmia. I also noticed that diuretics interact with Multaq and could increase the risk of low electrolytes. I take a bloodpressure medication that has a diuretic as well. I got off of the Multaq a week ago and am back on magnesium supplements and am also taking Epsom Salts soaks. So, far so good. I have not had any more A Fib episodes.
I have read the article about Magnesium. I need to try it. I feel so wore down all the time. I can’t sleep and I feel awful. I feel like Suzyn. I am losing my temper over the simplest things. I have alot of stress in my life and maybe magnesium is what I need. Thank you for coming out with this article.
Several month ago I started taking 400 mg of Shaklee Vital Mag before bed. I no longer have leg cramps and sleep much better. I had read it helps to relax the mind as well as muscles. There is already 200 mg of Magnesium in my Shaklee Multiple.
For sleep, I have also added Shaklee product “Stress Relief” (2) and (l) 5HTP 50 mg.
I also drink about 4 oz of Shaklee Instant Protein (Soy) drink.
I have struggled with sleep for about 5 years now–different combinations.
Hurrah, after much experimenting with natural system, I have finally been successful. I wish I could tell the world. I am pleased to add my success story to your information.
I still remember an incident…I was down with heavy cold. The family doc gave me calcium and Vitamin c IV …..I felt so good i can still recollect that feeling .I sometimes try soaked mag sulf on my neck…..IT gives me good feeling…..
Magnesium truly is the body’s “master mineral.” Without it, so many other minerals cannot be properly used in the body.
Most people have a hard time with taking oral magnesium supplements and don’t get the results their body needs.
I was fortunate enough to come across “Transdermal Magnesium” or better know to me now as “Magnesium Oil.”
Magnesium Oil is simply a magnesium rich mineral solution that has been sourced from some body of salt water.
Since the minerals in sea water are constantly being subjected to sunlight, it in turn makes the minerals ionic (ready for the body to use).
It is as simple as spraying the solution on your skin and the body absorbs it directly into the cell. No digesting needed!!
There are some concerns to be aware of however. Where are they sourcing their raw materials from? Is it clean of pollution and heavy metals?
I have researched about every brand out there and a lot of them can be misleading.
My favorite, by far, is Magnesoothe! They can be found at They handle there product in the very best manor from start to finish. They have the most helpful customer service. And their source goes unsurpassed!
Their source is the Dead Sea and there is no other body of salt water like it on the face of the planet! You can read more on the Dead Sea here at
If you want to know more on the purity of Magnesoothe, you can read that here at https://magnesoothe.com
I hope that my 2 cent will be helpful to someone.
Best of Health!
The Magnesium Man
Hi, My son 16 years old is suffering from Ulcerative Colitis. At the moment he is on steriods and other strong tablets. Can you recommend anything that will help his condition?
Thank you, Nim, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have taken mag. by mouth for yrs. but never felt as much benefit as I did from mag. oil I got from my dr. I rub it behind my knees twice a day.
I was recently diagonosed with a stomach ulcer (not duodenal), and tested negative for H.pylori bacteria. I wonder how I got it, and how I can cure it.
1. Is there any possibility it could it have come from several months of pain killers I took in 2008-9 for 2 spinal vertebral fractures?
2. Could it have come from numerous antibiotics I took in 2010 for 7 months for Lyme disease?
3. Is an ulcer “curable”? What will help? The doctor gave me a list of what to avoid, but I can’t believe that avocadoes are bad for me!
Thanks in advance for your comments.
Thank you, Liz, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I just emailed my query about a stomach (peptic) ulcer, and just saw that I pressed a wrong letter for my email. The correct email is just above.
Is magnesium good for an ulcer? What other supplements do you recommend?
Oh, just wanna thank you. You’ve got written so perfect articles with thoughtful thinking and deep feelings. Thank you!
hello, thank you so much for your information, i am a Integrative Nutrition student and have loved all the amazing conference Dr. Hyman gave.. Just wanted to ask if while breastfeeding (my baby is 2 months old and i plan to keep breastfeeding for a year), is it safe to have magnesium complementation?.. i have bought magnesium suplement (2 capsules of 300mg each) – as magnesium oxide, aspartate, citrate, alpha ketoglutarate, taurinate . but it says on the back: if nursing, consult your doctor.
Can you give me some advice on magnesium supplementation during breastfeeding..?
thank you!
AM.
I recently started taking magnesium before bed when Dr Oz recommended it. I didnt know why it was recommended but it was a show about preventing heart attacks. Anyway I was just reading your articlle and it confirmed that my actually sleeping better has come from the magnesium.
I was also happy to read that magnesium may help my 2 daughters wth their menstral issues.
Please keep writing, I have High blood pressure until control and am prediabetic and would love to use as few drugs as possible.
Which form of Magnesium supplement do you recommend? You mentioned Magnesium Glycinate; how about Magnesium Citrate?
I would just like to thank you for your work at helping people be responsible for their health, and get to the root problems of their symptoms. I have been struggling (and it has been a STRUGGLE!) with chronic headaches for probably 3 years on and off. I am a nurse, and so I have tried many things to figure out what was “triggering” my headaches to no avail. I have monitored my sleep/sugar intake/h2o intake/ stress level/food additives…the list goes on and on. I have tried herbal supplements and chiropractic(which did help some). But I have come up empty with really changing my headache situation. I was getting around 5-6 a week, and the only thing that would take them away was going to bed. I have two toddlers and am a nurse, so that is not possible. Lo’ and behold I believe I had a magnesium deficiency. I have been taking a mag. supplement for about 3 weeks now, and literally have had about 2 very mild headaches! I can NOT tell you what a blessing it has been to come across this information and try it for myself. I am thrilled that we have gotten to the bottom of WHY I was getting headaches…and now they are completely under control. It is such a fulfilling thing to take charge of your health…and not subject your body to the myriad of testing and drugs that mainstream medicine has to offer!!!!!
I have had a constant headeache for over two months. I have been taking tylenol or excedrine and would relieve for a couple of hours and then come back. Someone told me to take Magnesium suplements and there has been such an inprovement . Im no longer waking up with a headache. Your article on vitamins was very interesting , I have started to take vitamins since I read your article..
Thank you ,
Nina
I do have some of the symptoms listed above indicating low magnesium but I have been taking Mag Citrate for a couple of months (100mg) and my symptoms of cramps and heart arrythmias continue sporadically.
Is there a definite test I can take to determine how low I am in magnesium?
Dr Hyman, is Magnesium Asparmate neurotoxic?
What do you think about Magnesium Chloride?
Is it a good one to take?
The most bioavailable forms of magnesium are magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate. Look for these. If you get loose bowels on magnesium citrate, try magnesium glycinate.
Thanks for the great articles. I’ve been taking magnesium glycinate since it was recommended to me about 1 1/2 years ago by my nutritionist at Nutritional Weight & Wellness in St. Paul, MN. Before starting it, sleep was a real problem for me. Several nights each week I’d either lie awake until the middle of the night, or fall asleep only to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, so I’d get 3 or 4 hours sleep. At least 1 or 2 nights each month (no particular pattern) I would get no sleep at all. I am 10+ years post-menopause. Since starting 400 mg of mag. glycinate every night before bed, I sleep like a baby every night!
I recently heard that Magnesium oil is a better method of absorption? Is this true?
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. We are not sure if it is, we will post your comment and see if anyone has had experience with the oil.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thank you for the article. I have been taking a magnesium supplement for some time, not realizing it was the wrong form (magnesium oxide) and under dosing at the same time. I suffer from migranes & was hoping magnesium might help with this problem. I also don’t sleep very well & have Restless leg syndrome. I will be looking for magnesium citrate or one of the other forms you mentioned. I will also try upping the dose to at least 400 mg daily. I do eat a lot of magnesium rich food, especially nuts & beans, also green vegetables. Thanks again for this helpful information.
Hi,
Can you talk about magnesium and calcium? I know there is supposed to be a certain ratio – can you take more magnesium than calcium? How much is recommended of each for an adult female? Do you have to take it at the same time? I was sleeping great taking 600 mg of magnesium glycinate, then my naturopath added calcium citrate at a 1:1 ratio and I have been having really weird dreams and not sleeping as well.
Thanks
I sneak dulce and kombu into movie theatres to snack on. It’s easy to smuggle in
I have wondered what I am deficient of as I have trouble focusing on things. In this I mean I can feel my eyes sort of quiver and second or two before I can focus in on things. I will take my mag. sup and see if I notice a difference. I would like to find a doctor that would check mineral and vit. levels to determine imbalances…without costing and arm or a leg.
Is it okay to take a magnesium supplement when I am nursing? Is it okay for my six-year-old and teenagers to take a magnesium supplement too?
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. It would be best to run these questions by your physicians.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Found this very interesting and would like to try taking. Only thing they found deficient in my blood test was Vitamin D so I am taking Vitamin D now and wondering if I can still take a supplement of magnesium without any harmful effects?
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. There is no conflict between the two supplements.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was having over 3,000 pvc’s (premature ventricular contractions) a day and had very sensitive hearing. When I asked my cardiologist what he could tell me about the benefits of magnesium he told me he had never heard of a link between heart problems and magnesium deficiency. I started taking magnesium glycinate anyway and the pvc’s completely went away! Its hard to trust your doctors when they dont know how important vitamins and minerals are to your health. Now I am a huge magnesium advoate and I tell eveyone that they should be taking it!
I had mold exposure from leaking plumbing & ended up with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity & MOST INTOLERABLE Restless Leg Syndrome. Ultra Mag will stop the RLS in minutes. I normally take 1000 C with 200 Ultra Mag 3-4 times a day to control the RLS. I do drink 1 weak cup of coffee in the A.M. BUT have recently started DIZZINESS upon standing. DO YOU THINK POTASIUM COULD STOP THE DIZZINESS? Thank you for your time & consideration.
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
I have been having headaches and all over pain for 10 years and I have seen every kind of doctor with no end in sight. A friend sent me a link to your sight and everything makes sense. I am tired of doctors throwing pills down my throat and just getting worse.
I have ms, wondering if it is safe to use magnesiun citrate
Hi Carla, thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and for your comment. We cannot prescribe supplements on the Internet, please review this question with your doctor to see if there is any reason you cannot take magnesium citrate.
Here are a couple of articles that might be of interest to you:
http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/is-there-a-cure-for-autoimmune-disease/
http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/how-to-stop-attacking-yourself-9-steps-to-heal-autoimmune-disease/
If you find these articles of help, please search on auto-immune disease on the website for more articles on this topic.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have had A-fib for 8 yrs. Recently had arrhythmia for 3 months that did not leave me. Cardioversion did not work for me so cardioligist put me on TIKOSYN, a heart rhythm drug. (I also take PRADAXA) Just started 2 weeks ago after spending 3 1/2 days in the hospital to get started on the TIKOSYN. Dr also put me on 400mg IC MAGNESIUM OXIDE three times a day (1200 mg). I am itching a lot, and have a rash. I feel that this is from the magnesium. Can you comment on this? What should I do?
Hi Lou, you may be having an allegic reaction but we cannot offer medical advise over the Internet. Please consult with your doctor about this or if you are interested in seeing someone at the Ultrawellness Center you can call (413) 637 9991.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Can I take magnesium with super b complex at the same time?
Dear Stephanie,
Assuming the B Complex vitamin you are taking does not contain additional magnesium, yes.
Wishing You Good Health!
Hello! I’ve been having terrible anxiety, shakiness, muscle spasms that only got worse from taking a lot of Vitamin D (Too much Vitamin D depletes Magnesium.) I took 200 mcg of Selenium for a few days in order to absorb the magnesium I was taking and everything got much worse! Apparently the Selenium increases T4 to T3 thyroid conversion, and being low in Magnesium means youre low in T4 already. Should I just lower the dose of Selenium next time? I know its a complicated question but I dont know where else to find help right now!
Hi John!
Thanks for writing in re: mineral balancing. We would love to provide you with the best service, To do that we would suggest you see a trained Functional Med practitioner who can offer you personalized advice in person. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation
In good health
About 3 years ago my physiotherapist recommended Magnesium Glycinate in 50mg increments building up to my tolerance level (as described above, your body tells you when you’ve reached your dosage). I was having excruciating muscle contractions in my neck and shoulders and weekly severe migraines. Magnesium has eliminated the contractions and reduced the frequency and severity of the migraines. I had also been suffering from IBS which has also been helped, somewhat.
In the last year, my chronic insomnia has been getting worse and I’ve also been experiencing heart palpitations both due to Hypothyroidism. i did some research and decided to add a dose of Magnesium Citrate dissolved in water at bedtime. It has done wonders for me.
Thank you for this thorough article which I have printed out. I suffer from leg cramps that are excruciatingly painful. When the pains waken me at night, I walk around the room trying to find relief. I finally discovered magnesium. When I have such an attack, I pop a couple of pills down and they seem to help. The previous pill was a mixture of Zinc and something else which I have forgotten. Now, I take 225 mg of magnesium oxide in the morning and 250 mg at night. Though you said it improves sleep, am not sure I am getting that benefit or whether my having to get up in the middle of the night 2 or 3 times to go to the bathroom is or is not related to this. I’ve learned from your article magnesium citrate is easier to absorb, but is it more expensive? Your excellent article also says vitamin B6, Vitamin D and selenium help with magnesium oxide absorption. I take of 19 mg, 3,200 IU and 70mcg in the listed order in a mixture of pills. I also drink 2 cups of coffee, 1 cup of green tea,( no colas ever), medium on salt, bowl of Fiber One, figs, almonds, walnuts, raisins, banana, apple daily with Tofu and beans and green vegetables,also.
I also have an unaccounted for rash down the shin and ankles of my left leg
which will not go away. Could it be due to the increased magnesium I have
started taking the last month or two?
Hi Alice,
Thank you for sharing your health story. How is the rash? The bathroom stops are a pain, we feel for you! We suggest you cut off from all liquids 3 hours before bed. take magnesium citrate if possible (http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/SearchResults/796). The caffeine from the coffee has a stronger effect on your nervous sytem and your liver than the green tea. How would it be for you to drink green tea only? This would probably be a big help. Also, the rash might be a sign of unchecked food allergies- usually gluten is a good palce to start investigating. Have you ever done an elimination diet? Giving your body a break from some of the top allergens such as gluten, dairy, soy, corn, yeast is a huge step in the direction towards healing. Check out: http://store.ultrasimplediet.com/ This program walks you through a complete elimination diet. It sounds like you might be a great candidate for it! In the meantime, I wonder what would happen if you limited sugar intake. And remember sugar is not just in candy but in breads, cereals, fruits, starchy vegetables, dairy etc. In some cases people cant tolerate what others would deem as normal amounts of sugars (carbohydrates) or what they used to have been able to. It might be good to reduce refined carbohydrates and all processed foods for now and see how that helps your symptoms. Do you think you can start with this?
In good health
Hi My family and I have been reading and following your book for the last several years. We appreciate all of your advice. Last weekend my son got married and was getting nervous before the ceremony. He came to me and asked if I had magnesium and of course I did—I use it for sleep—I gave him 400 mg and he was able to relax and enjoy the day. We really your book Ultramind as several in the family have Bipolar and ADD.
Thanks again,
Carol
I have been taking 500 mg of magnesium oxide daily—should i switch to the magnesium citrate
Hi, This is a wonderful article!! Thank you Doctor for helping open up people’s eyes to this wonderful supplement. I’ve had breast cancer, and an auto accident, which left my body almost lifeless, got fibromyalgia and didn’t have much energy and I researched what would help my problems and it was magnesium, magnesium and magnesium, I can’t live without it and it improved everything in my body. I take 1000mg of magnesium malate + 600 mg of calcium (the right absorbable kind) and I take them daily. Magnesium also helped reduce my sweet tooth to ZERO. What a wonderful thing! It truely have saved my life from agony.
Thank You Doctor for caring and supplying these wonderful emails, I really look forward to reading every one of them and I forward them too all my family and friends.
Pennie
I plan to begin supplementing with magnesium glycerinate or citrate. You have probably solved the reason for my irregular sleep patterns.
I am an avid reader and read in numerous places in books and online including the above article “People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor’s supervision. could you elaborate on that? If all of us are deficient in magnesium what in magnesium is contraindicated that it would a person with kidney and severe heart disease or closely supervised by a medical doctor?
In short, magnesium is an electrolyte and works in concert with other electrolytes such as sodium, potassium etc. which also play influential roles in maintaining a properly functioning heart. The kidney regulates the blood levels of these lytes and so people need to be sensitive to the health of these organs before making stark changes. Therefore we highly suggest you (or someone) seek the attention of their Functional Med practitioner or physician before starting or stopping any new health plan.
To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation
In good health
I strained a back muscle helping a coworker lift a heavy table. I was having painful spasms and trouble standing up straight to walk. I remembered that magnesium will relax your muscles and took 2 – 300 mg. before bed. When I woke up in the morning I had no pain, stiffness or muscle spasms at all. It was just completely gone. Magnesium is a wonder supplement!
My massage therapist first put me onto magnesium in a spray form to rub into sore muscles, it works like magic. My husband and I also take magnesium powder and the relief he gets from sore muscles is unbelievable. A friends son was taking a large amount of nurofen daily to try and cope with migranes, we put him onto magnesium powder and his migranes have stopped.
I believe the transdermal form of magnesium such as the oil or the Magnesium Chloride Flakes you put in water to soak your feet are extremely effective. I use it in conjunction with oral supplements. With the transdermal the digestive tract is completely avoided so there’s no laxative effect that you get when you take oral pills. This is very safe and the body takes what it needs with no risk of too much.
Regarding testing for accurate magnesium levels: the standard serum test most often used for testing magnesium levels is basically useless for determining a deficiency.Intracellular Magnesium Levels are being shown to be the only clinically significant measure of magnesium deficiency. The `Sublingual epithelial cell’ magnesium test is painless, accurate and is INFINITELY more accurate than a blood test for magnesium when determining clinically significant amounts of magnesium in the body. The test takes a sample of the cells from
underneath your tongue and checks. I think in most cases a test isn’t really necessary and one can judge by symptoms and the alleviation of them once the protocol is established. STudies are showing like 80% of the population are magnesium deficient. Sodas, coffee, alcohol greatly depletes mag.
I’ve personally experience radical benefits from using mag. I’m considerably less jumpy or anxious…not sweating the small stuff. As another poster commented…alleviation from my PVC -Premature ventricular contraction..feeling like your heart is skipping a beat ..then forcefully beating… and as magnesium effects all electrical activity in the body….It has been a cure for me with my seizures.
Yes. Taking a magnesium supplement while nursing is actually recommended. A great resource is Dr. Carolyn Dean’s book, The Magnesium Miracle.
thanks Dr. Hyman for your information. I have suffered from headaches all my life since i was around twelve years old. I want to enjoy life without the fear of getting a headache. I will try to find out on my own what could be causing these headaches or migranes. I am not sure where to start .
I have been suffering from multiple PVCs and PACs since giving birth to my first son 6 years ago. They have come and gone over time but got really bad again recently. My electrophysiologist suggested a calcium channel blocker, verapamil, but I was reluctant to take it. After a lot of research, I decided to try magnesium citrate in a powder form. I started it about 5 days ago, and my heart palpatations are virtually gone! I am hoping and praying this is not coincidental. One article I read even claimed that magnesium is nature’s calcium channel blocker so my EP was right, but I just wasn’t ready for medicine yet.
I am wondering though….how do I know I am keeping the ratio between calcium and magnesium balanced when not all of it is coming from supplements? I do not take any calcium supplements, but do love to consume low fat dairy products and I am taking about 200 mg of mag citrate total daily in a divided dose every 12 hrs in addition to eating spinach or green collards daily (not a fan of nuts). Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Sounds like you are safe… It is a great idea to get your calcium from food- especially dark leafy greens, sesame seeds and tahini and sardines/salmon with bones. The dairy is fine if you tolerate it and it is organic and from grassfed milk!
In good health
Laura,
In order for a pharmaceutical company to sell and patent a “medicine” /drug like verapamil it has to create this synthetic compound…it’s man-made and not a natural compound like magnesium which can’t be patented. A synthetic pharmaceutical maybe beneficial to help alleviate symptoms but it inevitably causes side effects over time as the body reacts to a substance that isn’t natural to it. A pharmaceutical never cures…it only addresses the symptoms. Taking the magnesium is probably actually addressing the cause of your palpitations.
Best to you.
I didn’t read everyone’s posts so I don’t know if anyone already addressed the impact of magnesium on epilepsy. From my on line research I have discovered that a hallmark of all people suffering with a seizure disorder is Magnesium deficiency. Back in March I was overdosed by my neurologist with Vitamin D2 in his attempt to expedite my serum levels to strengthen my bones, (which I contested as being out of his realm but conceded anyway). Vitamin D and Magnesium are co-factors(they bind to each other in the blood) Hence High Vitamin D levels effectively locks up a lot of serum magnesium preventing it from acting in its usual role as a regulator of normal neuron transmission in the brain. I had a massive seizure and became hopelessly depressed as the last one was 13 years ago. I thought my daily anti-epilepsy drugs( Lamictal) were too potent to be negated under all circumstances. Low serum Magnesium is evidently an exception.
Without getting into further detail, I discovered Liquid Magnesium (Angstrom Mag,9000 from Healthshop 101.com). I’m winning my lifelong battle with seizures. My depression went away within a couple of days. ALL of my residual symptoms of epilepsy and post craniotomy phenomena like foot twitches disappeared. I’m reducing my medication. That being said, if you have seizures, consider taking Magnesium. You have to experiment with everything from Epsom Salt to trans-dermal Magnesium oils to liquid angstrom Magnesium to determine which combination is the best for yourself. I take 2 tablespoons of Angstrom Magnesium 9000 in a little orange juice every day. Along with that I’d recommend you take a Vitamin B6 tablet once a day. Say goodbye to your suffering. (=:
Thank you Dr. Hyman for your informative website!
I am on Carbamazepine for Bi-Polar disorder and am very low in Sodium. Do you have any suggestions to help this problem. I was told not to drink too much water, which I know I need.
I also have fibromyalgia and after reading your information on magenisium I realized I am taking the wrong kind. I just ordered your cal/mag supplement. Thanks again!
Hi Marie,
Thank you for your interest in dr Hyman’s work. We cannot give you the proper care you need via the internet but do hope you receive the attention you need from a qualified practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitiner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there. Glad you ordered the proper form of magnesium! Hope it all works out for you!
In good health,
Lizzy
I have always had severe insomnia and migaines. I’m pregnant so I can’t take much as far as prescription or OTC medications. I slowly started taking Magnesium and upping my dose. I’m now taking 675mg. I’m sleeping great, my constipation has gone away, and my migraines are fewer and farther in between. I’m still having lot of back and leg cramps though.
To April …soaking in a warm bath of epsom salt ( which is Magnesium sulfate) might help alleviate the back and leg cramps. Transdermal is a great way to get your magnesium quickly into your system and bypass your digestive system. Epsom salt is generally considered safe while pregnant but as always it’s best to consult with your doctor before use. Best.