Minerals are a crucial part of our body to function properly. Magnesium ensures the working of organs, hormones and enzymes. We can get the required amount of minerals from healthy eating habits, otherwise, doctors recommend mineral supplements to overcome the deficiency. Magnesium is a miracle mineral because it restores a healthy lifestyle and improves your well being.
Introduction
Universally known, there are two types of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Magnesium is a macro-mineral that is required in larger amounts and is available in various natural resources and also as a dietary supplement. Magnesium is responsible for carrying out 354 enzymatic activities that regulate diverse biochemical reactions, required for energy production, protein synthesis, blood pressure regulation etc.
Magnesium consumption by the body has been drastically decreased in the past decade due to an increase in processed food, low magnesium food, improper diet and fluctuation in the quality of nutrients. These circumstances lead to magnesium deficiency and hinder brain functioning, stimulating depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders.
The role of magnesium mineral is not restricted to the above-mentioned criteria as it is responsible for various other processes to ensure body functioning. Normal levels of magnesium work to fight most of the disorders which makes it a miracle mineral.
Magnesium and its importance
Magnesium plays several roles and participates in biochemical reactions such as-
- Structural development of bone
- Synthesis of DNA, RNA and antioxidants
- Muscle contraction
- Nerve impulse conduction
- Regularize heart rhythm
- Energy production
- Contributes to normal psychological functioning
- Ensures proper mineral balance
Role of magnesium in the body
Magnesium is responsible for reducing inflammation, depression and anxiety. Some studies claim that magnesium helps to reduce migraine and leads to better sleep. Magnesium is an antidote to stress and helps to cope up with behavioural disorders.
Magnesium surely works as a miracle mineral as it stabilizes membranes, relaxes muscles and induces chemical pumps mainly in bones, muscles and the brain.
Deficiency and symptoms
Normal people have approximately 25g of magnesium in the body from which 50%-60% is present in the bones and soft tissues and less than 1% in blood serum.
The normal range of magnesium is 0.75-0.95 millimoles, if the level is less than the condition is known as hypomagnesaemia. Severe deficiency of magnesium can cause life-threatening situations like heart failure and seizures. Magnesium deficiency can be due to low dietary intake, symptoms of magnesium deficiency include-
- Insomnia
- Cramps
- Muscle twitches
- Anxiety
- Palpitations
- Constipation
- Anal spasm
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Migraine
Research claims that severe magnesium deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia or hypokalemia (low levels of calcium and potassium). Additionally, magnesium intakes affect bone mineral density in postmenopausal and elderly females.
Source of Magnesium
Magnesium can be obtained from food, supplements and medicines. Nutritional and dietary supplements for magnesium are available in different compositions depending upon the patient’s compatibility and drug interaction. Essential magnesium intake can be obtained from numerous resources such as-
- Pumpkin seed, Chia seeds
- Green leafy vegetables
- Dry fruits, roasted peanuts
- Soymilk
- Kidney beans
Use of magnesium in laxatives, antacids, heartburn, upset stomach and indigestion is common. However, it is recommended to not take any medicine without consulting a doctor.
Wonder miracle mineral
Magnesium inadequacy or malabsorption can result in a variety of disorders like chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorder, loss of high concentration of glucose, excess excretion, migraine, hypertension and the list goes on.
Another crucial function of magnesium is to keep calcium outside the cell and maintain a balance to prevent undesirable situations like calcium deposits, and pathological conditions. Magnesium keeps calcium biologically active and in a dissolved form that also helps to reduce the feeling of fear and panic.
Well, a mineral that ensures calmness, makes people anxiety-free, reduces stress and looks after the organs such as the brain, nerves and muscles to maintain proper functioning of the body, how can that not be a miracle mineral?
