Even though magnesium deficiency is associated with every known disease, and many authorities believe that approximately 80 % of the population is magnesium deficient, doctors traditionally never measure magnesium reserves in their patients to determine if they are adequate. Instead, they check serum levels, which are carefully regulated by the body in a relatively narrow range. The body keeps the blood level of magnesium constant, because magnesium is a vital electrolyte which helps to regulate vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, and other important processes. So testing the serum level is a good idea for someone in the Emergency Room, But everywhere else, it’s a pointless test because it provides no indication of whether anyone’s magnesium reserves are adequate to keep their body performing properly for a week, or whether they might run dangerously low in a few hours. This book describes the reasons for the problem and offers suggestions so that everyone can begin to manage their magnesium levels properly.