Magnesium’s been on my mind a lot lately.  Not only is it a critical catalyst for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, it’s our anti-stress, anti-hypertensive, bone-building, blood vessel-protecting, pro-relaxation mineral.  Magnesium is one of the basic building blocks of life itself, found in the center of every chlorophyll molecule of every green plant.
Unfortunately, about 8 out of 10 of us are deficient in this essential macro mineral.

What’s that got to do with cancer?  Plenty, it seems.  A recent book by Dr. Mark Sircus, entitled Transdermal Magnesium Therapy:  A New Modality for the Maintenance of Health, on the many uses of magnesium therapy makes it all too clear.

Magnesium helps to maintain adequate DHEA levels which, in turn, help to sustain healthy immune function.  “DHEA appears to restore immune balance and stimulate monocyte production (the cells that attack tumors),” according to Sircus.  In addition, magnesium helps maintain a beneficial balance of insulin in the body – not too much, not too little.  This is key, as we know that an excess of insulin is, in itself, a risk factor for growth and progression of most cancers.  Moreover, magnesium plays a prominent role in helping red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, energizing and nourishing organs and tissues. Without sufficient oxygen, organs, tissues and cells are all compromised in their ability to take in nutrients and get rid of wastes.  They become acidic and hypoxic (oxygen deprived) – a veritable breeding ground for cancer.

So – we need more magnesium in our lives, but how?  We start by eliminating magnesium-depleting foods (white breads, sugars, pastas, etc.) and adding magnesium rich foods, especially greens, seeds and nuts.  Sesame seeds, cashews and chard are especially rich in magnesium.  Most folks will have to supplement beyond that, however, as stress, toxicity and medications all add to our total magnesium loss.  My clients and I have had good luck with Jigsaw magnesium, a slow release form that does not cause the dreaded “ loose bowel” effect.  Dr. Sircus recommends a transdermal form of magnesium called magnesium chloride, which is rapidly absorbed into circulation by the skin.  You may need to experiment to see what form works best for you.

You may also want to ask your health care practitioner to order a RBC magnesium blood test for you, as it is the best way to assess how much magnesium is actually finding its way into your cells.  However you do it, it’s time to put magnesium on the front burner where it belongs, and to consider it a key weapon in your cancer fighting arsenal.