Heart health and sweet “hearts” are both themes this month in your local health food store and maybe even around the world! Happy Hearth Health Month and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Magnesium and calcium are fundamental nutrients that need to be I balance with each other in order for you to fully experience good health. Their importance on a cellular level is extremely critical. Calcium and magnesium are like opposites sides of a coin. Calcium excites nerves, while magnesium quiets them down. Calcium make muscles contract and magnesium is necessary for them to relax. Calcium is needed for blood clotting, but magnesium keeps the blood

flowing freely.

Each time your heart beats you experience the tensing (calcium) and relaxing (magnesium) interaction of these two elements. Also, your pulse and breathing are experiences of calcium and magnesium interacting within your body.

When we are under stress, our cells -which in their resting state contain magnesium- go through a change. Calcium, normally outside the cells, enters the cells and the calcium level becomes high. This is the action state in which a muscle cell, for example, will contract and tense the muscle. The magnesium then pushes the calcium out of the cell and the cell is again in its resting, relaxing state.

Think of it as an on-off switch. The “off” is magnesium and the “on” is the calcium. But what happens to a cell that is not in balance, where the magnesium is out of balance? In simple terms, the “off” switch does not fully turn off. This means that the calcium can continually leak into the cells and stimulate activity (the “on” switch). This can result in any of the following symptoms of magnesium deficiency: stress, fatigue and low energy, inability to sleep, muscle tension or spasms or cramps, anxiousness and nervousness, headaches, weakness, PMS and hormonal imbalance, weakening bones, abnormal heart rhythm, calcification of organs.

Unfortunately, studies have shown millions suffer from magnesium deficiency. Health professional also add that because Americans current diet and supplement habits make getting enough magnesium to ‘balance’ out almost impossible.

Remember that magnesium is one of the most important basic nutrients and is required for more than 700 biochemical reactions in the human body.

Next week we will continue with more on this important topic. Much of this information has been borrowed from Natural Vitality. As always, do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without first consulting with your preventive healthcare provider. We pray for your health and prosperity, 3 John 2, blessings, Donna.