Famed natural medicine pioneer Dr. Norman Shealy said that “a magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient.”
Those are pretty powerful words. Yet most conventional doctors are unlikely to suggest that their patients get tested regularly for magnesium deficiency. The latest studies by the U.S. government state that approximately 68% of all Americans [1] are deficient in this essential mineral and close to 20% are severely deficient, consuming less than half of the daily requirement. Research also shows a link between magnesium deficiency and cancer [2].
Adequate amounts of Magnesium are essential for a healthy body.
Here are just a few of the functions magnesium is responsible for:
- Glutathione production;
- Nerve and muscle function;
- DNA and RNA synthesis;
- Balancing electrolyte levels;
- Maintaining hormonal balance and sleep quality (Magnesium reduces cortisol levels, helping you relax);
- Proper utilization of Vitamins C and E as well as iodine;
- Regulating inflammatory and pain responses in the body;
- Providing protection from heavy metals, such as mercury, aluminum, mercury and lead;
- In addition, studies have shown that high levels of magnesium supplementation may inhibit cancer cell growth.
How to Use Magnesium for Breast Health and Healing
A 2006 report [3] published by the University of Minnesota concluded that diets rich in magnesium reduced colon cancer occurrence in women. Brazilian cancer researchers found a link [4] between low magnesium levels and critically ill cancer patients almost 20 years ago. Polish scientists [5] made the connection between inadequate levels of magnesium and leukemia in the 1970’s. In fact, doctors have been talking and writing about the cancer-healing properties of magnesium for almost 100 years. Currently, Dr. Mark Sircus [6], Ac., OMD, DM is one of the most outspoken advocates of magnesium for healing and writes widely on the subject:
“The modern diet, with an overabundance of refined grains, processed foods, and sugars, contains very little magnesium. Even the magnesium inside whole grains and fresh vegetables has been declining steadily in recent years because of depletion of minerals in our soils, making magnesium supplementation necessary for most people.”
Dr. Sircus recommends the use of magnesium chloride [7], especially as magnesium chloride flakes, for bathing as well as magnesium in oil or gel form for rubbing into key areas on the skin. Here is a rundown of the best ways to use magnesium as part of your healthy breast protocol [8]:
- In the bath: Add magnesium chloride flakes to a bath for a relaxing soak. Make sure to use magnesium chloride flakes and not magnesium sulfate (found in regular Epsom salt). Magnesium chloride is much more effective in smaller amounts as a detoxifier and electrolyte replenisher and will even aid the digestive process by balancing hydrochloric acid levels in the gut;
- As an oil or gel: Transdermal [9] application of magnesium oil or gel on the skin, especially around the breast and colon area, can be very effective in getting the mineral into the system quickly. Taking the time to apply magnesium transdermally can also be a very calming process;
- As a supplement: I prefer magnesium [10] or magnesium in liposomal form. In these forms, the mineral is better able to be absorbed in your digestive system and is also less irritating to the gut; There is a blood test that you can order through your physician – RBC magnesium. This is a good indicator to see if you are deficient in magnesium.
- As an enema: According to Sircus [11], some individuals have used a small amount of magnesium chloride flakes (1-2 teaspoons) in clean, filtered water as an enema in order to flood the body with healthy magnesium quickly. This method will bypass the digestive system altogether and go straight into the bloodstream.
- In food: Green leaves like spinach and kale as well as most nuts, seeds, and beans contain high amounts of magnesium. Of course, always make sure that these foods are organic to get the most nutritional and mineral content out of them, and also consider supplementing in one or more of the other ways mentioned above, especially if you are on a healing journey with Breast Cancer.
Don’t wait until your doctor tells you about magnesium to take action. For Breast Cancer prevention, choose healthy habits that do not deplete your magnesium levels now; daily alcohol consumption, for instance, will deplete your magnesium levels while raising your Breast Cancer risk by 30%.
In addition, transdermal and internal magnesium supplementation in the ways I have discussed above is absolutely vital if you are on a healing journey with Breast Cancer or Breast Cancer prevention. Use it in supplement, oil, gel, and bath flake form liberally. Not only will you be giving your body the healing advantage, but transdermal magnesium therapy can also be a very calming way to practice deep self-nurturing and self-care as well which can add tremendously to your healing.