Most people know about why minerals like calcium or iron are good for their health. They know that calcium, for instance, helps to build bones and teeth that are strong and healthy. They also know that having enough iron in your system is important because it helps to build red blood cells and prevent conditions like anemia. But if you asked the average person on the street what magnesium does for the body, chances are they would not be able to tell you.
However, magnesium is vital for human health and performs a number of crucial functions for the body. It is essential for the health of human cells. It helps regulate the use of other minerals like calcium, sodium and potassium and is needed for around 300 different biochemical functions. However, many people who have this deficiency don’t even realize it.
Let’s take a look at the common signs.
Leg Cramps
Magnesium plays an important role in the sending of neuromuscular signals, so one common side effects of magnesium deficiency is leg cramps. Leg cramps are more common than most people realize – it is estimated that around 7% of children and a whopping 70% of adults can struggle with this. Restless leg syndrome, too, appears to be widespread. More and more clinicians, recognizing the underlying cause, are prescribing magnesium supplements to help with leg cramp issues.
Insomnia
Magnesium is also vital for the proper function of GABA, a neurotransmitter which helps to calm the brain and support feelings of relaxation. This is why magnesium deficiency can lead to problems like restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety and stress – all of which can lead to difficult getting to sleep. That is why magnesium is often prescribed as a natural sedative, to be taken a little before bedtime to achieve a good night’s sleep.
Fibromyalgia
This condition, marked by chronic muscle pain, has also been linked to insufficient magnesium. One study, published in Magnesium Research, found that when fibromyalgia patients received supplementation with magnesium that they reported reduced pain and tenderness in the muscles. Patients with fibromyalgia should discuss this with their doctors if they have not already done so.
Anxiety
As previously stated, magnesium deficiency can also effect the central nervous system’s GABA cycle. The result can be an uptick in anxiety and an increasing inability of the body to cope with stress. The result can often be symptoms like irritability and nervousness and, if the condition continues unchecked, more serious problems like hallucinations or depression.
High Blood Pressure
Another important role that magnesium plays in the body is to work together with calcium to normalize blood pressure levels. Thus it is not surprising that yet another sign of magnesium deficiency is hypertension, or high blood pressure. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high magnesium diet, on the other hand, reduces the risk of strokes and other events by around 8%.
In conclusion, if you recognize these symptoms as common problems for you, consult your doctor. A simple blood test can reveal magnesium deficiency and a plan of care can be developed to start treating this condition.
Sources: greenmedinfo.com, ancient-minerals.com, foodrenegade.com
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Sandeep Godiyal Founded Godiyals.com, Godiyals.com is to make search process quicker and Easier and Help you find best Travel deals from 100s of travel site with just one click.
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