Magnesium: Wellness Benefits – You may not know it, but magnesium is an essential mineral for your overall health and wellbeing. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It’s no wonder that magnesium deficiency has been linked to various health problems, including anxiety, poor sleep, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
What Is Magnesium, and What Are Its Benefits?
Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in the body and many foods. It is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, including energy production, protein synthesis, and cell signaling. Magnesium may also be essential for bone health and plays a role in muscle contraction, heart function, and blood sugar control.
A magnesium complex includes b6 may offer benefits such as increasing energy and supporting heart health. Here’s a comprehensive review of its wellness benefits:
Magnesium For Stress Relief
Magnesium works by activating the relaxation response in the body, which is thought to lower blood pressure and heart rate. One of the most important benefits of magnesium is believed to be its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Also, magnesium deficiency may be linked to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Magnesium For Sleep
Research shows that magnesium supplements may improve sleep quality and duration in people with insomnia. Magnesium is also known as the “sleep mineral” because it is thought to regulate melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles. Research has linked magnesium deficiency to restless leg syndrome, a condition that can disrupt sleep.
Magnesium For Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are believed to be a common symptom of magnesium deficiency. If you’ve ever experienced a muscle cramp, you know how painful they can be. Therefore magnesium supplements may help prevent and relieve muscle cramps by regulating muscle contraction and relaxation.
Magnesium For Bone Health
Magnesium is essential for bone health. It helps to regulate calcium absorption and promotes new bone growth. An inadequate supply of magnesium is believed by some to increase risk of osteoporosis.
Magnesium For Blood Sugar Control
Magnesium may be involved in regulating blood sugar levels. Studies show that magnesium supplements may help to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Magnesium For Heart Health
Magnesium may also be involved in various heart-related functions, including blood pressure control, heart rhythm, and blood clotting. Some researchers believe that magnesium deficiency may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Magnesium For Brain Health
It may be involved in brain function and dementia. Magnesium supplements may improve memory and cognitive function in older adults.
Who Can Take Magnesium Supplements?
The right dose of magnesium depends on your age, sex, and health condition. Magnesium supplements are safe for most people. However, people should speak to a doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
As you can see, magnesium is an essential mineral with various health benefits. The best way to get magnesium is through food sources, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. However, that’s not always possible. If you think you may be deficient in magnesium, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Magnesium supplements are available in a wide range of forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.