Why Do You Take Magnesium Supplements?
Magnesium Supplements – What are The 5 Key Benefits?
Your body needs magnesium for more than 300 enzymatic reactions. A magnesium deficiency, therefore, can have detrimental effects on your health. Although magnesium is found in various foods, supplements are a good option if you have a low intake. This article highlights the benefits of magnesium supplements to the body, who should take them, and how often they should be taken.
Who should take magnesium supplements?
Patients with diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and gastrointestinal disease are advised to take magnesium supplements to correct magnesium imbalance. Also, if you are experiencing heavy menstrual cramps, excessive sweating, drinking too much alcohol, or prolonged stress, you may have magnesium deficiency. It’s advisable to eat foods high in magnesium or take magnesium supplements.
Why should you take magnesium supplements?
Blood Sugar Management
Magnesium is vital in glucose and blood sugar metabolism. Patients with type 2 diabetes have magnesium deficiency due to nutrient loss through urine. Taking magnesium supplements enhances insulin resistance, a condition in which cells don’t respond well to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that reduces blood sugar levels. Enhancing its resistance can improve sugar management, especially in diabetic patients.
Reducing Heart Disease Risk
Consuming the correct amounts of magnesium lowers the risk of heart disease. This is attributed to its ability to reduce risk factors like blood pressure and blood sugar. It also controls your body’s cholesterol levels.
Also, magnesium supplements help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as experiencing stroke, by 30%.
Improving Bone Health
As you grow older, your bones tend to grow weaker and flimsy. To control this, take magnesium supplements. They help your bones grow stronger as you grow older. Failure to take a diet rich in magnesium or magnesium supplements may cause osteoporosis, a condition that makes the bones weak and foible.
Improving Sleep
Magnesium supplements help us enjoy quality and deep sleep. They control special chemicals in the brain linked to sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, take magnesium supplements minutes before bedtime.
Reducing Stress
If you feel stressed quite often, you might have a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplements reduce stress by suppressing cortisol, a hormone attributed to triggering stress.Magnesium also supports the brain-blood barrier, which is a protective barrier against toxic elements like neurotoxins. These, in turn, reduce the risk of experiencing mental health problems like as depression and anxiety.
How Often Should Magnesium Supplements Be Taken?
Teenage and adult males should take 250 to 400 milligrams of magnesium supplements daily. The recommended dosage for female teenagers and adults is 285 to 300 milligrams daily. Breastfeeding and pregnant females should take an average of 320 milligrams per day. Children aged three years should take up to 80 milligrams per day; a dosage of 120 to 170 milligrams is recommended for those over four years.
Where Do We Find Magnesium Naturally?
Magnesium is found naturally in beverages, animal and plant foods, and in large quantities in leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. In general, foods rich in dietary fibre contain magnesium, too.
Mineral, tap, and bottled water are also excellent sources of magnesium. Magnesium supplements are a great option, especially for people with deficiencies.
However, before taking any magnesium supplements, it’s always a good idea to consult your dietitian or doctor first. They’ll determine if taking magnesium supplements is a good option for you and design a personalized plan to help you meet your body’s unique nutritional needs.
