Dr. Berg, an expert in magnesium deficiency, discusses the dangers of low magnesium levels. Topics covered include high blood pressure, twitching, fatigue, diabetes, inflammation, and the importance of magnesium in absorbing vitamin D and B vitamins. He also explores the impact of factors like age, alcohol consumption, and antibiotics on magnesium levels.
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Quick takeaways
Magnesium deficiency can lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, muscle cramps, fatigue, diabetes, insulin resistance, depression, and inflammation.
Processed and refined foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, diarrhea, diuretics, antibiotics, alcohol consumption, and aging can deplete magnesium levels in the body.
Deep dives
The Importance of Magnesium for Heart Health
Magnesium deficiency can lead to high blood pressure and arrhythmias due to its role in the relaxation of arteries and the functioning of the heart's pacemaker. Muscle cramps and fatigue are common symptoms of magnesium deficiency, as magnesium is involved in over 350 essential biochemical pathways, including energy production. Magnesium also influences insulin and mood, and its deficiency is linked to an increased risk of diabetes and inflammation. The recommended daily amount of magnesium ranges from 300 to 750 milligrams, with higher needs for individuals with chronic disorders or specific health conditions.
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
There are two main causes of magnesium deficiency: inadequate dietary intake and factors that deplete magnesium levels in the body. Processed and refined foods, which are common in many people's diets, contribute to magnesium loss. Additionally, the overconsumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates increases the need for magnesium. Other factors that deplete magnesium include diarrhea, diuretics, antibiotics, alcohol consumption, and aging. Magnesium is also vital for the absorption of vitamin D and in managing cortisol levels, which affects sleep quality. While magnesium should ideally come from food sources, supplements such as magnesium citrate, lactate, glycinate, aspartate, or chloride can be beneficial.
Let’s talk about the benefits of magnesium and the dangers of magnesium deficiency.
A deficiency in magnesium could put you at risk for certain health concerns, such as:
• High blood pressure
• Arrhythmias
• Tetany or twitching
• Leg or foot cramps
• Fatigue
• Diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• Depression
• Inflammation
The RDAs for magnesium are 300 to 750 mg. But some people may need much higher amounts. It’s important to consume foods high in magnesium and avoid certain things that deplete magnesium.
Foods rich in magnesium are the ones high in chlorophyll, which would be green vegetables. The top things that deplete magnesium are sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Other things that can lead to a magnesium deficiency include:
• Diarrhea
• Diuretics
• Antibiotics
• Alcohol consumption
• Age
For a magnesium supplement, you have a few different good options, including:
• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium lactate
• Magnesium glycinate
• Magnesium aspartate
• Magnesium gluconate
Magnesium is important for the absorption of vitamin D and B vitamins. It also helps support healthy cortisol levels, which can reduce stress and help you sleep better.
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