My fingers felt numb but I couldn't stop. I kneaded her frail skin for another fifteen minutes trying desperately to reach her sore muscles and give her a much needed relief. A two-year night ritual that was almost as hard for me as it was for her. Several kettles of green tea, a steam bath, long hours of massage and longer hours trying to rock my mother to sleep. It was impossibly hard to watch my mother in so much pain. The emotional strain of taking care of my mother who hereto was the most agile person I knew and running a business while singlehandedly raising my 5-year-old son had begun to take a toll on my mental health and finances. Doctors' appointments often left us more helpless than ever but we went nonetheless. It seemed like an endless stream of trials and errors. Ten malaria diagnosis, one hypoglycaemic and a hypochondriac diagnosis after, we finally met Dr Timothy Olalekan, a dietitian at the General Hospital who told us my mother suffered from hypomagnesima. It was a routine check at the hospital and my mother's blood pressure was unsurprisingly off the charts so the doctor referred her to a dietitian since the drugs were apparently not working and exercises were a torture to endure due to the ever-present muscle cramps. Prior to that fateful meeting, all I knew about magnesium was from the organic table I saw in my best friend's chemistry textbook in high school. After a series of routine questions and tests, Dr Olalekan patiently explained that my mother's insomnia, muscle spasms and weakness, the regular constipation and unending digestive problems were likely due to hypomagnesima. He told us about the role magnesium plays in regulating bodily function and how it is often overlooked but a highly potent killer. He explained that a couple of factors mitigate against the body getting the adequate amount of magnesium it requires to function optimally. One of such factors is soil depletion which lowers the amount of magnesium present in crops. Another probable cause was long term abuse of prescription medication and antibiotics. These damage the digestive tract and prevent magnesium from being properly absorbed and utilized from foods.
When we got home that afternoon, we sat in shock as we took stock of food items in our small refrigerator. Alas, it was filled with a measly bowl of tomato sauce, a half eaten box of pizza, several boxes of donuts, a few sticks of carrots and that was it. It was obvious that a radical diet change was necessary. The next day, I went grocery shopping for spinach, avocados, bananas, black beans and almonds.
To supplement our diet efforts, the doctor suggested a magic formula from webber natural called Melatonin Magnesium. This supplement has 150 mg of magnesium to aid muscle function and relaxation and 3 mg of melatonin to promote better sleep patterns. I can't describe the wonder that is this supplement.
Its been five years since that fateful doctor's appointment and my mother's health is in excellent shape. The spasms and cramps are gone and she sleeps soundly. Her blood pressure has also been stable for a couple of years and the improvement in her appetite, stamina and energy is nothing short of a wonder.
In addition to having my loving mother fit as a fiddle again, I can now focus on giving her and my son the financial security they deserve in our home.
If you have any symptom suggestive of hypomagnesiam, you should speak to your dietitian about getting any of the following forms of magnesium supplement quickly:
Magnesium Chelate: These forms of supplements are highly absorbable and easily found in food naturally.
Magnesium Citrate: If you are struggling with digestive issues, this is the go-to supplement as it serves as an excellent laxative.
Magnesium Chloride Oil: This is an oil form of magnesium supplement that can be used to improve digestion, increase energy, to alleviate muscle pain, and to heal wounds or skin irritation.
Magnesium Glycinate: This is perfect for patients who do not need the laxative effects of most magnesium supplement but want improved health and stamina. The only downside is it is not as soluble as the rest.
Magnesium Threonate: This supplement can penetrate the mitochondrial membrane easily so it has a fantastic level of absorbability and bioavailability. It is not widely used yet but has outstanding possibilities.
Magnesium Orotate: For patients suffering from cardiac issues, supplements containing orotic acid will be greatly beneficial to their hearts
Magnesium Oxide: This is great as a short time laxative and antacid for relief from heartburn but it could cause insomnia and cramps. Please note that this form of magnesium supplement is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Magnesium Sulphate: This supplement is often used in the treatment of torsades de pointes, severe asthma, constipation, and eclampsia in women. Please note that this form of magnesium supplement is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Image source: magnesiumguide.com.au
