Each year most Americans trot off to the doctor for an annual physical. The blood work and panel essays give us guidelines by which to navigate. However, often the numbers come back normal and certain symptoms we have go without explanation. That is when we must advocate for our health using doctors, research, and other tools to problem solve.
The average American diet does not meet the daily requirement of many of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Furthermore, many supplements are just not bio-available enough to do the job. Magnesium and Potassium are two especially important minerals a body needs to run strong and healthy. Deficiencies in one or both can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening effects.
Why is Magnesium Important?
Magnesium plays a role in many cellular functions of the body. For example, Magnesium acts as a catalyst for approximately 300 enzymatic reactions. That is it speeds up these reactions keeping the body in balance. without it the reactions would operate way to slow.
Magnesium is also a vital part of many of the body’s synthesis processes such as glycolysis, protein synthesis, energy-dependent membrane transport, and muscle function could not occur. It is also needed for normal heart function and blood pressure. Despite its vital importance, many people are deficient in Magnesium. Low magnesium is called Hypomagnesemia.
Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia
Fatigue
Muscle cramps or spasms
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Numbness and tingling
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Osteoporosis
Possible causes of Hypomagnesemia
- Gi Disorders (i.e. Crohn’s)
- Frequent urination (i.e. type 2 diabetes)
- Diuretics
- Aging
Benefits
Supports healthy muscle contraction
Lowers blood pressure(1)
Reduces inflammation responses (2) (3)
Decreases insulin resistance and guard against type 2 diabetes (4)
Fights depression (5) (6)
Improves PMS mood change and fluid retention (7) (8)
The Aspartate salt complex presented in this supplement is highly bio-available with little to side effects.
Why is Potassium Important?
Potassium is the primary ion within a cell. Outside the cell the primary ion is sodium. Together they create what is called the sodium-potassium pump. This mechanism is responsible for the electrochemical balance within the body. The process is complicated, but ultimately it is the kidneys that regulate potassium levels via urinary excretions. Potassium is absorbed in the intestinal tract and has a direct effect on nerve impulses, skeletal muscle contraction, healthy blood pressure, and cardio contraction.
According to FDA Dietary Guidelines the average adult requires approximately 4700 mg of potassium daily. Unfortunately, most healthy people only get about 1700 a day (approx. 3.5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily). Certain illnesses or medications and a sudden loss of fluid can also result in a low intake of potassium. Low Potassium is called Hypokalemia.
Symptoms of Hypokalemia
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
Possible causes of Hypokalemia
• Alcohol use (excessive)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Use of Diuretics
• Some antibiotic use
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Primary aldosteronism
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
