Magnesium plays many critical roles in your body.
Magnesium is a part of more than 300 biochemical functions within the body, including the regulation of the heartbeat and helping out with neurotransmitter functions. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is one of the most prominent deficiencies found in adults. Magnesium deficiency can be characterized by muscle aches or spasms, poor digestion, anxiety, and insomnia. As such, it is important to regularly take magnesium supplements or eat foods that are rich in magnesium.
Energy can be increased by magnesium.
Magnesium activates adenosine triphosphate, otherwise known as ATP, to produce energy. A lack of magnesium actually makes you tired faster, and also makes you require higher oxygen levels while exercising. A lack of magnesium means more oxygen for light activities and an overall higher heart rate during exercise.
Insomnia can be treated by magnesium supplements as well.
These supplements can calm down an overactive mind and help with quality of sleep. Circadian rhythms change with age as a result of decreased nutrient consumption and absorption, leading to a risk of insomnia. Magnesium supplements can significantly boost sleep length, ease of falling asleep, and melatonin concentration, as well as significantly lower levels of stress-inducing cortisol. Additionally, it aids in waking up early in the morning.
Magnesium also relieves constipation, improving digestion.
Magnesium supplements relax the muscles in the digestive tract. Additionally, they help in moving waste through the intestines and neutralize stomach acids. These benefits mean that it is easier to go to the bathroom. Low levels of magnesium can actually lead to an increase in constipation. Luckily, magnesium supplements can reverse this and reduce overall constipation. However, it is important to monitor the dosage of magnesium, as too high of a dosage can lead to diarrhea and discomfort.
Another benefit of magnesium is that it is very important for your heart health.
The highest concentration of magnesium in the body is found in the heart, and more specifically the heart’s left ventricle. Magnesium and calcium work in tandem to assist with proper blood pressure levels and to help ward off hypertension. A lack of balance between magnesium and other minerals can actually lead to a heart attack as a result of severe muscle spasms.
Finally, magnesium can help by preventing osteoporosis.
Magnesium is critical in bone formation, and it also influences osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are necessary for a proper bone density. Additionally, magnesium is important in the balancing of blood concentrations of vitamin D, which regulates bone homeostasis. Higher levels of magnesium also mean higher levels of bone mineral density. Osteoporosis can also be prevented or reversed by taking in more magnesium from your diet or supplements.
Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral for your health.
It has benefits that can improve your health across the board, from bone strength to energy levels. It is also important to ensure that you don’t have low levels of magnesium, as lower magnesium levels can lead to significant health problems, such as heart diseases and strokes.
Consider eating a magnesium rich diet or taking magnesium supplements to boost your energy and health, as well as prevent future problems.
Aimee Harris-Newon, Psy.D., D.A.B.P.S., C.Ht