3 important benefits of magnesium
There are many vitamins and minerals that are essential nutrients to keep your body functioning properly on a daily basis. Each one plays a different role in your body, from helping to regulate blood sugar to improving the function of your immune system. One of these essential nutrients is magnesium.
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an important mineral that our bodies need to facilitate many enzymatic reactions that help keep us healthy. Magnesium is responsible for maintaining adequate blood pressure levels, keeping your bones strong, and keeping your heart rhythm stable. Magnesium also helps produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is essential to the metabolic activities of every cell. In addition to this, it helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function. That's a lot of responsibility for one mineral!
Without magnesium, essential organs such as the heart and brain, along with several chemical processes would not be able to function.
3 Important Benefits of Getting Enough Magnesium
Given that magnesium is involved in over 800 chemical reactions in your body, it’s easy to see why it’s such an important mineral.
- Improves Mood – Studies show there may be a link between depression and low magnesium levels. Researchers believe that adequate magnesium intake may help improve your mood and treat depression.
- Reduces Risk of Heart Disease – Low levels of magnesium have a negative impact on blood sugar control and blood pressure. As these are risk factors for heart disease, some studies link insufficient magnesium to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Relieves Migraine Symptoms – Migraines have been linked to insufficient magnesium levels in the body. One study found that people with migraines who took a daily 600 mg magnesium supplement suffered 42% fewer migraines. Migraines also decreased in intensity.
What Does a Magnesium Deficiency Look Like?
Without enough magnesium, many fundamental vital processes that keep your body healthy will be disrupted. Signs of a magnesium deficiency can include loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, as well as fatigue or weakness. More advanced symptoms include muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, seizures, personality changes, and changes in your heart rhythm or heart spasms.
Are you getting enough Magnesium?
According to Health Canada, almost half of Canadians are lacking in magnesium. Adults require an intake of 320-420 mg of magnesium daily.
Magnesium Sources
There are many food sources that contain high levels of magnesium.
- Almonds (1 oz) contain 80 mg of magnesium per serving
- ½ a cup of spinach contains 78 mg of magnesium per serving
- Roasted cashews (1 oz) contain 74 mg of magnesium per serving
- Oil roasted peanuts (¼ cup) contain 63 mg of magnesium per serving
- 1 cup of soy milk contains 61 mg of magnesium per serving
However, even those who eat the healthiest diets can still be lacking in magnesium. This is because of the total dietary magnesium an individual consumes, only approximately 24% to 76% is absorbed by the body. The rest is filtered out by the kidneys. Another reason could be that due to modern farming methods, vegetables that were once considered high in magnesium, are now grown in nutrient-depleted soil, which reduces their magnesium content.
Try speaking with your doctor, health professional or visiting your local health food store to see if a magnesium supplement can be beneficial for you.
CanPrev’s Magnesium supplements are designed with your health needs in mind. Look for CanPrev’s Gentle, Extra Gentle or Ultra Gentle formulas containing a blended, buffered and fully chelated magnesium bis-glycinate. While all three formulations are gentle on the bowels, Extra Gentle is recommended for those with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or low stomach acid and Ultra Gentle for those with multiple prescriptions or digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease and colitis.
Whether you're reaching for almonds or opting for a supplement, take charge of your health by including more magnesium.