Sometimes we just don't appreciate things until they're gone. For most Americans, that's magnesium. You need more, and for good reason. Magnesium benefits will astound you!
Getting enough magnesium may not be on your list of priorities, but there are many good reasons why it should be. An estimated 80% of adults are deficient in this important mineral. When you aren't getting enough, your body starts to get a little out of whack. In fact, magnesium deficiency can cause muscle aches, anxiety, poor digestion, and trouble sleeping, among other health issues. So magnesium benefits your body in many ways. It is involved in over 300 biochemical functions in the body, making it an essential part of your diet.
Discover some of the many magnesium benefits for yourself when you eat magnesium-rich foods or take a daily supplement.
Here are ten ways magnesium benefits you:
1. Magnesium Increases Energy
Magnesium boosts energy right at the cellular level. It activates ATP in your body to create energy. Without enough magnesium, you might suffer from constant fatigue. Therefore, getting your daily dose of magnesium will give you the natural energy boost you need. (1)
2. Magnesium Calms Anxiety
Magnesium plays a vital role in producing happy hormones like serotonin. In contrast, low magnesium levels often cause stress and anxiety. If your body is getting an adequate amount of magnesium, it will help calm your brain, promote relaxation, and reduce feelings of anxiety. (2)
3. Magnesium Helps Fight Insomnia
Magnesium benefits sleep, too. Low nutrient levels can lead to insomnia. Magnesium has the ability to clam the mind and promote a peaceful night's sleep. Studies show that magnesium not only improves sleep efficiency and sleep time, but also helps lower cortisol levels. (3)
4. Magnesium Aids In Digestion
Magnesium benefits digestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. This allows for a smooth digestion process. Magnesium also helps neutralize stomach acid and move waste through the intestines. As such, it's a natural way to relieve constipation and promote healthy digestion. (4)
5. Magnesium Relieves Muscle Spasms
When your body isn't getting enough magnesium, you may experience muscle spasms. This occurs because magnesium plays an important role in neuromuscular signals and muscle contractions. If you get adequate amounts, then magnesium allows your muscles to relax and contract. (5)
6. Magnesium Is An Important Part Of Heart Health
The heart holds the highest amount of magnesium within in the body. Magnesium works with calcium to support healthy blood pressure levels and prevent hypertension. If your body doesn't have enough magnesium, then you are putting yourself at risk for a heart attack or severe muscle spasms. (6)
7. Magnesium Helps Prevent Migraines
Because magnesium is involved in neurotransmitter function and blood circulation, it can help control pain from migraines. Additionally, magnesium can release pain-reducing hormones and reduce the constriction of blood vessels that raise blood pressure. Studies have shown that when migraine sufferers take magnesium, their symptoms improve. (7)
8. Magnesium Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
Your body needs magnesium to properly form bones. A higher magnesium intake increases your bone mineral density. Specifically, research has shown that women can help prevent or even reverse osteoporosis by increasing their magnesium consumption. (8)
9. Magnesium Regulates Calcium And Potassium Levels
Magnesium also regulates biochemical reactions in the body, along with other electrolytes. In particular, it plays an important role in transporting both calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes. Furthermore, magnesium is a vital part of maintaining normal heart rhythms. (9)
10. Magnesium Supports Brain Health
While magnesium benefits the brain in many ways, a deficiency can cause over-excitatory brain patterns. This damages the neurons in the brain and leads to cell death. Additionally, studies have shown that magnesium is a neuro-protective agent. It protects the neurons in the brain, especially after a brain injury. (10)
For food sources, watch the video below to learn how to incorporate more magnesium into your diet:
