Magnesium is a major, essential mineral for the human body. Here is a look at the natural ramifications of this mineral, and five of the top benefits that you might gain from taking a magnesium supplement.
The Natural Make-Up and Necessity of Magnesium
As one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, magnesium is essential for human health. In the context of human health, magnesium is a macronutrient. This means the body must consume and utilize a fairly significant amount of magnesium, and not merely a trace amount.
Before describing the physiological roles of magnesium, we will take note of its unique chemical qualities. Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal that is found in the Earth’s crust and seas, and is the lightest metal on Earth. It plays a role in supporting the life of not just humans, but plants as well, helping to mobilize chlorophyll during photosynthesis. This makes it a valuable mineral for enhancing crop yields.
Within the human body, magnesium is a contributor – or cofactor – in more than 300 chemical reactions. Among these are the biochemical processes of protein synthesis, blood pressure regulation, muscle and nerve function, energy production, DNA synthesis, and more. The chemical reactions in which magnesium is involved are so many, making this a crucial mineral for human life.
Meaningful Benefits of a Magnesium Supplement
There are so many potential benefits to taking a magnesium supplement on a regular basis, and these might depend on your health needs. Here, we discuss five of the most important benefits that a person could gain from strategically taking a magnesium supplement.
Heart health is always benefitted by sufficient magnesium consumption. The bodily roles of magnesium contribute to proper neuromuscular functioning, including the rhythm of the beating of the heart. Magnesium’s neuromuscular purposes, along with its ability to regulate blood pressure, make it a noteworthy and beneficial supplement for long-term heart health.
Managing blood pressure is a health matter that is especially important for those with Type II diabetes, and research shows that supplementing with magnesium could help. Various studies on the relationship between magnesium and blood sugar control show this. It has been shown to correlate with general glycemic control and reductions in specific measures such as fasting glucose. Starting to take a magnesium supplement would be especially helpful for a diabetic individual who is presently deficient in magnesium.
Reducing stress might be achieved by taking magnesium. That’s because it works against the over-production of hormones related to stress, especially cortisol. For those experiencing stress, and anxiety along with it, taking a magnesium supplement could potentially bring about a measure of relief.
Mitigating depression is a potential cognitive-behavioral benefit of supplementing with magnesium. Research shows that magnesium deficiency is linked to depression, which is a sensible conclusion because it plays a part in regulating mood and brain function. This coincides with magnesium’s beneficial effect on handling stress because stress and depression often co-occur.
Preventing migraine is the final potential benefit we list here, because it is so specific yet worthwhile, especially for those who have experienced this condition. Migraine often corresponds with a deficiency in magnesium. At least a handful of studies suggest that taking a magnesium supplement can reduce the occurrence of acute migraine headaches, and possibly treat them as well.
The important mineral called magnesium is abundant in the body, yet some people are still deficient in it. If you experience any of the health concerns listed above and suspect that you may not be taking in enough magnesium, a magnesium supplement could be just what you need. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.