The synthesis of cholesterol depends on magnesium, as noted.
Despite health conditions related to its overproduction, cholesterol is a
vital component of many hormones. For example, magnesium is needed for
the production of aldosterone, which notably regulates the balance of
magnesium and other minerals in the body. It therefore may be seen that
cholesterol is the mother of hormones produced in the adrenal cortex,
including cortisone, hydrocortisone, aldosterone, and DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone).
It is known that reduced levels of the natural steroid DHEA (also
known as the “youth and health hormone” and the “mother of all steroid
hormones”) relate directly to magnesium deficiency. DHEA is considered a
multi-functional steroid because it is involved in an extremely broad
range of health-related biological processes, including supporting
optimal metabolism, endocrine function, immune function, and stress
response. The great importance of DHEA for human health is indicated by
the fact that it is one of the most abundant steroids in the body and
exerts antioxidant activity in vivo . DHEA helps aging men and women
improve muscle strength, lean body mass, retain youthful vitality, and
feel better.
DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries (in women), and is
synthesized in small quantitiesde novo in the brain. DHEA is known to
act directly upon androgen receptors. DHEA also acts upon androgen
receptors via its metabolites (i.e., androstenediol and androstendione)
that the body ultimately converts to testosterone, estrone, and
estradiol. DHEA is therefore a pro-hormone for natural sex steroids.
Among other symptoms of deficiency, low levels of DHEA-S
(dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, the sulfate ester of DHEA) in men is
associated with sexual dysfunction. DHEA-S has been shown to improve
sexual desire and overall quality of life.
While synthetic DHEA is a popular nutritional supplement, evidence
points to the greater safety and effectiveness of naturally produced
(i.e., endogenous) DHEA, including lower risks from adverse effects.
Enhanced natural production of DHEA is associated with physical
exercise, adequate sleep (in accordance with circadian rhythms), stress
reduction programs, meditation, certain types of acupuncture, caloric
restriction, and natural progesterone supplementation. In addition,
magnesium chloride contributes to increased DHEA production in the body.
However, unlike synthetic DHEA, the natural DHEA produced in the body
when magnesium levels are high will not carry the risk factors
associated with synthetic DHEA. Use of magnesium chloride transdermally
is an indirect, yet very effective means of increasing DHEA levels in
the body. This is the safest, most natural way to boost and maintain
DHEA levels.
Dr. Norman Shealy reports that magnesium chloride gradually
increases natural DHEA levels, especially when applied transdermally. He
suggests that when the body is provided with adequate levels of
magnesium at the cellular level, it naturally begins to produce higher
levels of DHEA and DHEA-S. Because the body can convert DHEA to
testosterone, many benefits of increased DHEA production likely are due
to the effects of testosterone. Optimal testosterone levels play an
important role in many body functions, including maintaining muscle mass
and bone density, regulation of blood sugar, uptake of oxygen by cells,
immune system function, red blood cell production, maintaining cardiac
muscle, neurological function, and sexual desire (and performance).
Testosterone, for example, is the hormone most closely associated with
healthy sex drive in men and women. Increased libido in women is among
the reported effects of transdermal magnesium therapy.
DHEA protects the entire body against the aging process. Low levels
of DHEA are linked to aging and difficulties maintaining good health.
Deficiencies of DHEA are known to correlate with maladies as diverse as
chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, depression, rheumatoid
arthritis, type-II diabetic complications, excess body fat, cognitive
decline, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Dr. Sircus asserts that the
role magnesium plays in the transmission of hormones (insulin, thyroid,
estrogen, testosterone, DHEA), neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin)
and mineral electrolytes is significant. That is, studies show that
magnesium status is the factor that controls the potential of cell
membranes. Therefore, it is the status of magnesium that controls uptake
and release of hormones, nutrients, and neurotransmitters (242).
Because DHEA is one of the primary biomarkers of aging, the long-term
effects of large amounts of magnesium (administered in a readily usable
form such as transdermal magnesium chloride) is the significant
elevation of DHEA levels and the reversal of many of the symptoms of
aging. DHEA provides natural protection from age-related conditions and
from premature aging due to hormone imbalances. It is notable that DHEA
(like magnesium) is depleted by chronic stress. It is important that
high levels of magnesium be sustained in order to gain the optimum
benefits it provides in terms of DHEA production and balance in the
endocrine system. Maintaining high magnesium status is the best way to
ensure healthy levels of DHEA (and other hormones) naturally! KAMD is an
effective, natural modality that can ensure high levels of magnesium
are available for production of hormones, including DHEA.
When the body is provided with an abundant supply of essential
nutrients (including magnesium) that it needs to produce, regulate, and
balance its own hormones (and that are known to support healthy
endocrine function), then it is more likely that irregularities and
deficiencies and the health-related problems that accompany them will
decline or disappear. That is, proper nutrition that supports healthy
endocrine function provides a foundation upon which good hormonal and
reproductive health can be established and maintained. Studies indicate
the importance of magnesium for reproductive health not only in
supporting reproductive organs and systems throughout life (for both
genders), but also its importance in healthy pregnancy (from conception
to birth) for mother and child, and maintaining the health of the
reproductive system into middle age and beyond (236). The body requires
sufficient levels of magnesium in order to achieve optimal health during
the entire life cycle. Magnesium chloride supports the endocrine system
(i.e., the hormonal system) in ways that synthetic hormones cannot.
KAMD helps the body by allowing it to determine when and how it
synthesizes its own hormones! Plentiful amounts of magnesium help ensure
a smooth-running endocrine system, which is a major contributor to
vibrant, healthy living, greater longevity, and high quality-of-life!
Given the fact that natural DHEA synthesis (i.e., endogenous
production) in the body declines with advancing age (and the association
of low DHEA levels with various health-related conditions, including
diminished sex drive and performance), it appears that providing the
body with the nutrients it requires to ensure optimal DHEA synthesis is a
highly useful adjunct for supporting good health. Magnesium chloride
applied transdermally is an ideal means to provide the body with
abundant levels of magnesium required to ensure optimal DHEA production.
In turn, optimal DHEA production provides for natural synthesis of sex
hormones and wide-ranging benefits throughout the body. |
