When it comes to the seven essential macronutrients, magnesium is one that isn’t discussed enough. This mineral is responsible for proper enzyme function, food metabolism, and the proper transmission of your body’s nerve impulses.
Because magnesium is vital for a healthy body, it’s important to consume at least 400 milligrams of this nutrient each day. Foods that are high in magnesium include avocados, leafy greens, and certain types of nuts and seeds.
Hypomagnesemia, or clinical magnesium deficiency, is pretty uncommon, but it’s estimated that up to 75% of the population doesn’t consume the daily recommended amount of this mineral. Signs of low magnesium include fatigue, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Thankfully, you can avoid or decrease the effects of low magnesium by taking a magnesium supplement.
Many people take magnesium supplements to reap health benefits like stronger bones, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
In addition to these well-known benefits, magnesium supplements can have other unexpected positive effects on the body. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most surprising benefits of taking magnesium supplements.
Reduced Anxiety
One of the most interesting benefits of taking magnesium is anxiety relief. Recent research has revealed a link between low bodily levels of this macronutrient and increased levels of anxiety. This correlation is likely due to magnesium’s effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,which includes a set of glands that regulate our reaction to stressful situations.
Some of the most effective magnesium supplements for anxiety relief include magnesium glycinate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium chloride.
PMS and Menstrual Relief
According to a recent study, taking a magnesium supplement may also be beneficial for treating the symptoms that accompany premenstrual syndrome and menstruation.
This study found that supplemental magnesium can reduce symptoms like cramps, bloating, and swelling. Magnesium has been shown to be even more effective for relieving these symptoms when taken along with a vitamin B6 supplement.
Improved Sleep Quality
Magnesium supplements are often recommended for individuals who suffer from insomnia. This is due to the fact that magnesium is key for regulating the neurotransmitter, GABA, which promotes sleep. Magnesium’s anxiety-reducing effect may also play a role in its ability to improve sleep.
Boosted Athletic Performance
Adding a magnesium supplement to your daily regimen may also give your athletic performance a boost. Magnesium can reduce post-workout soreness by moving blood sugar into the muscles and clearing away lactic acid. This process fuels the body, enabling you to workout longer and more intensely.
Research has also shown that magnesium is effective at improving fitness performance. A study involving 23 triathletes found that those who took magnesium supplements over a four-week period were able to run, cycle, and swim at increased speeds.
Migraine Prevention
If you suffer from migraine headaches on a regular basis, then you may want to consider taking a magnesium supplement. A recent study found a link between low magnesium levels and frequent migraine headaches.
This essential macronutrient is directly involved with the function of neurotransmitters as well as blood circulation. Magnesium also aids in the production of pain-relieving hormones like oxytocin. Research has connected this hormone to migraine and headache relief.
Magnesium supplements are readily available at local pharmacies and generally safe for most individuals. Nonetheless, be sure to chat with your doctor before adding magnesium supplements to your daily nutrition regimen.
