Stacy Robertson
Stacy Robertson
March 18, 2024 ·  5 min read

Take Magnesium To Relieve These 6 Health Conditions

Magnesium is one of the most important mineral elements needed by the body. It’s believed to play the role of a supporting factor in more than 300 biochemical processes that the body undergoes. Magnesium can be obtained naturally from many foods we consume, or taken as a dietary supplement in form of tablets and syrups.

Foods rich in magnesium include cocoa, leafy vegetables, seafood, nuts, avocados, whole wheat, black beans, fish, etc. There are various types of magnesium supplements, some of these include magnesium threonate, magnesium malate, and magnesium glycinate or citrate.  There is no ‘best’ type of magnesium as different forms may be helpful for different reasons. Threonate is particularly good for the brain and nervous system, malate can be helpful for pain management, and glycinate bowel tolerant (less risk of loose stools) and well-absorbed.

Magnesium as a powerful pain reliever

Magnesium has several health benefits. One well-recognized use is for pain management. A 2010 study gives insight into the mechanisms employed by magnesium to relieve pain.  These ionic protein nerve receptors known as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), are one pathway to transmit pain through the body. Magnesium acts on these receptors by a means of reverse ionic reaction. It obstructs the flow and action of these ions in affected areas, thereby inhibiting the sensation of pain. Magnesium can be helpful for several kinds of intra-muscular and neuropathic pain.

We love New Roots Herbal Pure Magnesium Bisglycinate Each plant-sourced capsule contains 130 mg of elemental magnesium in the form of highly bioavailable magnesium bisglycinate for maximum assimilation and minimal stomach upset. The pure form of magnesium bisglycinate is easily absorbed within the intestines. It’s also gentle on the stomach, and less likely to cause nausea and diarrhea which are more common with other forms of magnesium. Get your 60 day supply at The Health Shop for $34.78 while supplies last!

Magnesium relieves dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for cramps, pain, and discomfort during menstruation. Research published in the A 2001 research published in PubMed revealed the action of magnesium against prostaglandins, the hormone responsible for menstrual pains (dysmenorrhea). This also includes pre-menopausal and post-menopausal pains. Magnesium helps to soothe menstrual cramps and comfort. It also can help relieve pain from endometriosis and PCOS.

Relief of arthritic pains

To help improve symptoms of arthritis we should all consider increasing our magnesium levels. Magnesium helps to soothe joint inflammation and strengthen weak bones. It may also be used to prevent the occurrence of arthritis later in life, especially in people who regularly strain their muscles. 320mg for women and 420mg for men is the recommended daily intake of magnesium.

Magnesium is an analgesic for neuropathic pain

Magnesium can be used to help relieve several deep nerve pains such as diabetic neuropathy, spinal injuries and Phantom Limb Syndrome (PLS). PLS is a sort of neuropathic and psychological pain that occurs in people who have just had a limb amputated. It’s called phantom because the patient has a feeling of pain in a limb that has been cut off. Magnesium helps to relax the surrounding tissues and soothe this pain. NMDA receptors are responsible for these neuropathic pains and magnesium counters their action.

Magnesium soothes headaches and migraines

Migraines can be very painful and straining. A lot of people find that their migraines never completely go away, and can only be managed by certain medications and relaxation techniques. Magnesium is known to relax muscles and relieve tension. Magnesium is particularly good when used as a prophylactic (preventative). Studies using magnesium dicitrate have shown efficacy in this way. Other forms of magnesium could also be effective as well.

We love New Roots Herbal Pure Magnesium Bisglycinate Each plant-sourced capsule contains 130 mg of elemental magnesium in the form of highly bioavailable magnesium bisglycinate for maximum assimilation and minimal stomach upset. The pure form of magnesium bisglycinate is easily absorbed within the intestines. It’s also gentle on the stomach, and less likely to cause nausea and diarrhea which are more common with other forms of magnesium. Get your 60 day supply at The Health Shop for $34.78 while supplies last!

Fibromyalgia pain relief

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by extreme fatigue and muscle tenderness. The pains mostly occur in the knees, elbows, pelvic region, neck, and gluteal muscles. It occurs more frequently in women than in men. In some cases, memory loss can also occur. This condition is incurable is often managed with medication. A clinical trial explained the action of magnesium against pain from fibromyalgia. It helps to reduce the muscle tenderness and joint pains. Magnesium supplements containing magnesium malate are best suited for this treatment.

Relief of post-operative pain

Magnesium has been used as an adjuvant to aid with muscle relaxation and improve analgesia before, throughout, and postsurgery to help improve patient outcomes. Usually, in these cases, intravenous magnesium sulfate is administered under the supervision of medical professionals. When given post surgery, magnesium seems to delay the progression of pain. Magnesium could also have benefit when given orally.

Caution:

In general its always safe to include more magnesium from dietary sources, however, if you wish to supplement its always wise to do so with caution. Magnesium can interact with certain drugs. Medicines containing compounds such as quinolone, bisphosphonates, tetracycline, and felodipine can react with magnesium. Let your doctor know about any other medication you’re taking before taking magnesium.

Sources

  1. Hyo Seok Na et al. No date available. Magnesium in the central nervous system. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507245/
  2. Proctor ML et al. 2001. Herbal and dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11687013
  3. Website contributor, No date available. What is prostaglandins? Retrieved from https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/prostaglandins
  4. Contributor. No date available. What is arthritis? https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php  
  5. Jacob Teitelbaum. 2010, September 16. Magnesium for pain relief. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/complementary-medicine/201009/magnesium-pain-relief
  6. Contributor. No date available. What is phantom limb pain? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/phantom-limb-pain#1  
  7. Contributor. No date available. Magnesium for the treatment of migraine headaches: an introduction. Retrieved from https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/magnesium-for-migraine-headaches/
  8. Contributor. No date available. Fibromyalgia. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm  
  9. Engen DJ et al. 2013, September 15. Effects of transdermal magnesium chloride on quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia: a feasibility study. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26343101
  10. Contributor. 2018, September 26. Magnesium. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
  11. Sang-Hwan Do. 2013, April 15. Magnesium: a versatile drug for anesthesiologists. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3726845/
  12. Arthritis foundation. No date available. Magnesium. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/vitamins-minerals/guide/magnesium.php