Magnesium can help us achieve healthy energy, improve our metabolism, reduce fatigue and tiredness, and improves cell division, electrolyte balance, nervous system, normal muscle function, and can also help maintain the quality of our bones and teeth. However, despite its presence in many common foods, many of us don’t get enough. In this article, we’ll be discussing what magnesium is and its effects on our bodies.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to human function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong and heart rhythm stable. Magnesium is a micronutrient essential to life. Humans usually absorb it from foods such as whole grains, legumes, and leafy vegetables. It is present in many elements of a traditional healthy diet.
Eating foods rich in magnesium and other minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with prehypertension. Intravenous or injectable magnesium is used to treat other conditions, such as eclampsia during pregnancy and severe asthma attacks. Magnesium is also a major ingredient in many antacids and laxatives.
What does Magnesium do to our bodies?
Improves bone quality
Calcium is known to be necessary for the formation of strong and healthy bones, but magnesium is also essential. It is used to form crystals of apatite, a major component of bone mineral and tooth enamel.
Gives energy, prevents fatigue
Magnesium is required for the ongoing process of cell division, which replaces dead cells with living cells. In these different ways, magnesium is an essential part of millions of chemical reactions that take place throughout the body, and without adequate amounts, you’ll feel low on energy
Supports cardiovascular health
Effectiveness of magnesium supplementation in preventing and managing cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown that supplements can reduce the likelihood of cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke.
Reduces muscle cramps
If you’re not getting enough magnesium, this can cause your muscles to cramp because they’re not relaxing properly. Supplements containing minerals are sometimes offered to help with these problems
Improves mood
Magnesium supplements can play a useful role in treating depression and anxiety. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to a range of psychological problems, including agitation, anxiety, irritability, confusion, poor sleep, and depression.
Prevents headaches
People with migraines, cluster headaches, and menstrual migraines typically have lower magnesium levels.
Boosts immune system
Magnesium plays an important role in both innate and acquired immune responses. Deficiency may weaken resistance to disease and allergic reactions.
Risks of having too much Magnesium
Side effects
Magnesium supplements can cause nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Magnesium supplements often cause soft stools.
Interactions with other medications
Magnesium supplements may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, heart medications, or antibiotics. Consult your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications before taking magnesium.
Risks
People with diabetes, bowel disease, heart disease, or kidney disease should not take magnesium without consulting a healthcare provider.
Overdose
Signs of magnesium overdose may include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. In very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
