CANCER

Magnesium Reduces the Risk for Colon Cancer

Magnesium deficiency is prevalent in just about any person whose health is struggling or slipping into a trend in the wrong direction. This can be predicted because magnesium is required to run many genes and enzymes, reduce inflammation, and enhance genomic stability.  Thus, it is frequently lacking in the context of struggling health. A new study shows that for each increase of 100 mg of magnesium per day, the risk of colon cancer drops by 13 percent.

In individuals who are not overweight magnesium is shown to be protective. In individuals who are overweight magnesium is shown to be highly protective. This is because overweight individuals are living in an inflammatory state more likely to have DNA damage from this inflammation and accompanying free radical damage. In other words, the worse off a person’s health is, the more he or she needs higher levels of magnesium for protection.

I recommend up to 800 mg per day of supplemental magnesium for individuals who are under high stress or overweight. This is a basic precaution for protection. As stress levels come down and weight improves, then 400 mg is likely adequate.

Byron J. Richards, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist