Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body, but most diets lack it. This is because it plays a vital role in most body functions. Approximately 60% of magnesium is found in bones, and the rest is found in muscles, tissues, and fluids.
Role of Magnesium in the Body
Magnesium supports more than 600 metabolic processes including energy production, protein synthesis, muscle function, nerve regulation, and gene maintenance. It can reduce stress by managing the levels of cortisol, promoting relaxation, and reducing muscle tension. The best for women is that Magnesium; during menstrual periods, it supports the regulation of nerve and muscles that help to avoid clamping, migraine, bloating, and tenderness in the breast and stabilizes the mood swings.
Magnesium also participates in sleep and brain health, where its involvement in GABAergic modulation is said to improve quality of sleep. It is even associated with better metabolic health, and deficiency of magnesium has been linked to causing headaches and irregular sleep patterns.
Warning Signs of Magnesium Deficiency
There are four warning signs of a magnesium deficiency says Dr. Saurabh Sethi, an expert gastroenterologist trained in Harvard and Stanford, in an Instagram video recently released.
- Muscle cramps and spasms: Magnesium helps calm muscles by regulating the amount of calcium and potassium in the muscle cells.
- Low energy: Magnesium is crucial for ATP production, where the body’s cells are essentially powered.
- Irregular heartbeat: Magnesium helps keep the proper levels of electrolytes in order to have a regular rhythm in the heartbeat.
Dr. Sethi further added, “Magnesium boosts serotonin, that feel-good hormone and keeps stress in check by managing your cortisol levels.”
Magnesium’s Health Benefits
Magnesium is essential for heart health, helping regulate heart rhythm and maintaining normal blood pressure. Studies show it can lower blood pressure by up to 12 points. Additionally, magnesium is one of three micro-minerals, along with calcium and zinc, responsible for nearly 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
An example of a related serious health deficiency is muscle spasms, or worse, cramp, seizures, abnormal heartbeats, or coronary spasms, and if the deficiency leads to personality disorders.
Sources and Supplements
Most dietary sources contain magnesium, starting with cashew nuts, almonds, whole grain products, lentils, peanuts, leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens and other greens; and dairy.
For most people maintaining sufficient levels without supplements is somewhat difficult. These supplements are pretty easily available to anybody, such as Magnesium Glycinate among numerous others.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for concerns about your health.
