One of the seven basic minerals that the body requires in large quantities in order to function and stay healthy is magnesium. Although the majority of people are aware of the benefits of several vitamins and other supplements, customers usually ignore magnesium as a crucial component. It is worth taking into account because a magnesium deficit can lead to serious health issues. Magnesium supports and facilitates a wide range of vital biological processes. More than 300 distinct enzyme activities that assist in controlling the body’s metabolic responses involve magnesium. Despite being involved in so many diverse processes, standard bloodwork typically does not examine magnesium.
Since the body is unable to generate magnesium, it must come from external sources, such as food or dietary supplements. Magnesium benefits in several ways.
- Promotes bone strength
Magnesium is essential for healthy bones. The bones are thought to contain 60% or more of the magnesium present in the body. Magnesium lowers the chance of fractures and contributes to increased bone density. A prior study also found a correlation between higher magnesium consumption and higher bone mineral density overall. Furthermore, the risk of fracture is three times higher in individuals with the lowest blood levels of magnesium than in those with the greatest levels.
- Aids in constipation relief
It has been suggested that taking specific types of magnesium will help ease constipation and encourage more frequent bowel movements. The purpose of magnesium-based laxatives, such as magnesium citrate or milk of magnesia, is to encourage regularity and relieve constipation. Through the process of pulling water into the intestines, they aid to soften and facilitate the passage of hard-to-pass feces. Furthermore, giving persons with chronic constipation a 28-day magnesium oxide supplement improves their quality of life and frequency of bowel movements.
- Enhances psychological well-being
For mental health, magnesium levels must be at their ideal. A magnesium deficit is said to result in a variety of symptoms, including uneasiness and moderate anxiety. Furthermore, it is thought that a magnesium deficit increases the vulnerability to stress, which exacerbates depression because magnesium regulates the body’s stress response. Other disorders including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also linked to low magnesium levels.
- Supports the control of sleep
Many studies have found a correlation between magnesium levels and the quality of sleep. It is thought that a magnesium deficit affects the circadian rhythm, which results in insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, consuming more magnesium lowers the chance of getting too little sleep and enhances the quality of sleep.Another risk factor for excessive daytime sleepiness in older persons is a magnesium shortage.
- Offer migraine headache relief
Due to its role in preserving the nervous system’s function, magnesium insufficiency can lead to neurological issues, such as migraines. An increased risk of migraine headaches is associated with insufficient magnesium intake. According to research, magnesium oxide is the most recommended form of magnesium therapy for migraines, and 400–500 mg of magnesium is said to lessen migraine symptoms. In summary, intravenous magnesium injections shorten migraine attacks by 15 to 45 minutes.
- Aids in Diabetes Management
Diabetes is exacerbated by magnesium insufficiency, and studies indicate that a 15% higher risk of diabetes results from a daily magnesium intake reduction of 100 milligrams. Supplementing with magnesium also shows promise in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This is due to the possibility that it regulates insulin, the hormone in charge of transferring sugar from the bloodstream to the cells and assisting in the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Supplementing with magnesium not only increases insulin sensitivity, which helps the body use insulin more effectively to help control blood sugar levels, but it also improves blood sugar in diabetics.
