Magnesium plays several significant roles in the body. It’s responsible for many biological and bodily processes. It’s the fourth most prevalent mineral in the body. Despite these facts, most people are deficient in magnesium. This is because a regular diet, even a healthy one at that, may not provide enough magnesium for the body. Here are eight reasons magnesium is important for your health and why you should consider incorporating it into your daily diet.
Increase Energy Levels
Magnesium plays a role in boosting energy levels and increasing performance by regulating blood sugars levels. Magnesium gets rid of lactate that promotes fatigue. A study has shown that magnesium citrate can boost energy levels and improve performance in people with chronic disease and the elderly.
Another study suggests that it can increase performance in athletes. Besides, low energy levels can affect your health significantly. Low energy levels can increase fatigue, moodiness, and inactivity. This is perhaps why several athletes supplement their diets with magnesium to boost their energy levels and performance.
Necessary To Perform Several Significant Biological Processes
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. It is present in humans, plants, and soil. The role this unique mineral plays is so essential that human cells need it to function efficiently.
It helps in protein breakdown and supports the body enzymes to perform many biological processes. These processes include muscle movement, energy creation, and protein formation. One of the main reasons magnesium is important for your health also helps to regulate the nervous system and the genes.
Promotes The Heart’s Health
Another reason why magnesium is important for your body and health is your heart. Research has shown that combining magnesium with a low-fat diet can significantly improve heart health and prevent or manage heart diseases. This is because magnesium naturally decreases high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risks of strokes and other heart diseases.
Another study showed that people with high blood pressure who took enough magnesium daily experienced a lower risk of a heart attack.
May Help People With Diabetes 2
Some studies also show that getting enough magnesium may be vital in preventing diabetes 2. This is because almost half of the people diagnosed with diabetes 2 are usually magnesium deficient.
Low levels of magnesium can hinder the body’s regulation of sugar levels, thereby increasing the chances of developing diabetes. On the other hand, people with proper amounts of magnesium are less likely to develop diabetes.
Vital For Bone Health
Asides calcium, magnesium is one of the most significant minerals necessary for optimism bone health. It’s essential for both bone formation and strength. Adequate intake of magnesium can increase bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that happens when bone density decreases, resulting in weaker bones and susceptibility to bone fractures.
One of the other reasons magnesium is important for your health is because it helps regulate vitamin D and calcium levels, both of which are necessary for healthy bones.
Reduces Migraines and Headaches
Severe migraines and headaches can be terrible and they can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. Low levels of magnesium may be the cause of constant migraines. Therefore, dealing with this deficiency may improve the condition.
Some research supports the use of magnesium to treat migraines. Experts suggest taking 400-500 mg of magnesium can prevent migraines and relieve migraine headaches.
However, it’s not advisable to take extremely high doses as these could have adverse effects. It’s also better to consult your doctor first for drug interactions, before administering magnesium for migraines.
Help With Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues today. Studies say magnesium may help people from suffering depression by boosting the parts of the brain associated with mood and stress.
In a study that involved over 8000 people, it was found that people with lower levels of magnesium were at a higher risk of depression than those who had proper levels.
Helps With Constipation and Improves Digestion
Constipation and digestion issues can lead to more severe conditions if left untreated. Magnesium plays a significant role in the digestion process. It helps the body to develop enzymes and hydrochloric acid to digest food. Therefore, a deficiency can cause serious health concerns.
Common digestive problems like acid reflux and GERD are usually linked to low stomach acid, which is caused by magnesium deficiency. Therefore, ensuring that your body has adequate amounts of magnesium can prevent constipation and improve digestion, lowering the risk of common digestive problems.
Conclusion
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to several health conditions such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, constipation, migraines, and depression. Ensuring that the body gets the proper amounts of magnesium can improve overall health by regulating blood sugar levels, improving bone density, reduce the risks of depression, and type 2 diabetes. Sadly, a lot of people don’t get sufficient magnesium from the food they eat. Therefore, most experts recommend taking magnesium supplements to make up for any deficiency.
