Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays a role in over 300 chemical processes within the human body. It has a huge impact on your body’s neurotransmitters that help regulate critical bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Without magnesium, we wouldn’t be able to function. For this reason it is essential to understand the symptoms of a deficiency and, most importantly, whether or not you should be considering magnesium supplementation.
What is Magnesium and What Does it Do for Your Body?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that serves as a cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic reactions within our bodies. It is involved in processes that regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and protein synthesis. Magnesium also plays an important role in supporting the function of neurotransmitters that can impact mood and anxiety levels, as well as promoting relaxation and restful sleep. Overall, magnesium is necessary for maintaining overall health and well-being. A deficiency in this mineral can lead to quite a range of health issues.
Why Might You Not Be Getting Enough Magnesium?
Studies show that at least 50% of the United States population is not meeting their daily magnesium requirements, despite this mineral’s critical importance to our health. This percentage is likely even much higher, especially if you only look at who reaches their requirements through diet alone. Reasons for this include poor dietary choices, high levels of stress, and some medical conditions, all which contribute to magnesium deficiency.
3 Signs That You Need a Magnesium Supplement
There are many symptoms of magnesium deficiency; however, how do you recognize that you perhaps should be considering supplementation before you reach such low levels? After all, the idea is to be proactive about your health, not wait until something is wrong to take action. Thankfully, there are three simple ways to know that you should talk to your doctor about magnesium supplementation, and they’re relatively easy to figure out.
Constant Stress and Anxiety
Magnesium is known to influence neurotransmitters linked to feelings of relaxation and tranquility. If you find yourself constantly feeling stressed and anxious, low levels of magnesium in your body may be a contributing factor. A magnesium supplement can help to support the production of calming neurotransmitters, helping to therefore alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
Sleep Troubles
Magnesium plays a significant role in promoting deep, restful sleep. It does this by regulating neurotransmitters that impact sleep patterns. Studies have shown that supplementing with magnesium can improve sleep quality and duration. If you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a magnesium supplement could help you to achieve more restful sleep.
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Regular Exercise
Exercise is incredibly beneficial for your body and should be something we all do each day. If you are someone who engages in regular physical activity, especially if it is for a long duration or a high intensity, you may have higher magnesium requirements than those who are less physically active. This is because exercise depletes magnesium stores in the body, as the body uses the mineral to generate energy and support muscle function. Supplementing with magnesium can help to replenish these stores, improve exercise performance, and reduce post-exercise muscle soreness.
Choosing the Best Magnesium Supplement
Choosing the right magnesium supplement for you can be quite challenging. There are many different brands to choose from, and on top of that, there are different types of magnesium supplements. Each one will have different effects and side effects. For those looking to wind down, calm their mind, and relax before bedtime, magnesium glycinate is often the best choice. It is readily absorbed by the body and can help promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Magnesium Supplements for Specific Concerns
That being said, depending on your symptoms, you may wish to choose a specific supplement. The following are various challenges and which types of magnesium supplements may suit them best:
- Anxiety: Magnesium glycinate is an excellent choice for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Sleep: Look for supplements that contain magnesium along with other relaxing ingredients like tart cherry powder for improved sleep quality and faster recovery.
- Constipation: Magnesium citrate is often recommended to help alleviate constipation, as it has a laxative effect that can support bowel regularity.
The Bottom Line
Magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for your health and wellbeing, depending on your symptoms and lifestyle. It is important to speak with your doctor about magnesium supplements before taking them, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or are on any medications. If you are taking magnesium supplements, be careful to pay attention to any adverse effects you may experience. If you notice any, stop taking the supplement and speak with your doctor. By identifying these common signs and choosing the appropriate magnesium supplement, you can effectively support your body’s magnesium needs and promote overall health and well-being.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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