Story at-a-glance -
- Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body, as it’s involved in a large number of biochemical processes that are crucial for proper metabolic function.
- It’s important to consume a diet rich in fresh organic vegetables to optimize your magnesium levels.
Up to 80% of people may be deficient in magnesium. As the fourth most abundant mineral in your body, it’s essential for building strong bones, DNA and genetic materials. It’s important to consume a diet rich in fresh organic vegetables to optimize your magnesium levels.
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body, as it’s involved in a large number of biochemical processes that are crucial for proper metabolic function. According to studies, this mineral is found in more than 300 different enzymes. Plus, there are 3,751 magnesium binding sites on human proteins.
The importance of magnesium is often overlooked and underestimated, which is why approximately 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this mineral. What many fail to realize is that magnesium not only supports various physiological functions, but also helps improve overall health.
Magnesium Optimizes Your Mitochondrial Function
One of the most important benefits associated with higher magnesium intake is improved mitochondrial function. To give you a background, the mitochondria are considered the powerhouse of your cells. They produce the energy that your body organs use in order to function properly — this energy is known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the culprits behind many health problems, so it’s important to make sure that these tiny organelles in your cells are always in good shape. This is where magnesium comes into play.
This mineral plays an important role in maintaining and improving the mitochondria’s performance. Without it, all other attempts to improve mitochondrial health may not work. This is because sufficient amount of magnesium is needed in order for new mitochondria to be created in the cells. Magnesium also helps increase the efficiency of the mitochondria when it comes to repairing damage and producing ATP.
Keeping Your Heart Healthy With Magnesium
Your heart is one of the organs that need magnesium the most. By promoting the production of ATP and supporting proper muscle function, this mineral allows the heart to efficiently pump blood throughout the entire body. It also acts as an electrolyte, which means that it’s partially responsible for the electrical activity that regulates the timing of your heartbeat.
Considering the impact of magnesium on heart health, it’s not surprising that some of the common heart diseases are associated with a deficiency in this mineral. Hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cardiac arrhythmia are just some of the problems that you may encounter if you have insufficient amounts of magnesium in your body.
To prevent life-threatening heart diseases, make sure that you keep your heart healthy by optimizing your magnesium levels. Studies have shown that there is an inverse association between magnesium intake and CVD. This simply means that when you increase your body’s magnesium levels, your risk for developing CVD may become lower. Another study also suggests that magnesium may help regulate blood pressure and prevent stroke since it relaxes the blood vessels.
Other Benefits That You May Reap From Magnesium
In addition to optimized mitochondrial function and improved heart health, here are some of the other health benefits that you may get from magnesium:
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Lower risk of diabetes
Numerous studies have shown that magnesium helps lower the glucose levels and prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by maintaining the efficient metabolic function of the body.
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Better bone health
Magnesium and calcium work together to keep your bone healthy. If you’re deficient in one of these minerals, then you won’t be able to properly metabolize the other.
Make sure that your body has adequate magnesium levels to absorb and metabolize calcium efficiently.
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Improved sleep
Magnesium regulates your body’s neurotransmitters, which are responsible for calming the body and mind by sending signals throughout the nervous system.
This mineral also regulates melatonin, a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycles of the body.1
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Proper nerve function
Magnesium helps activate and maintain proper nerve function. It also counteracts the negative effects of excessive calcium on the muscles and nerves.
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Mental and physical relaxation
As mentioned above, magnesium may help quiet down nerve activity since it regulates the body’s neurotransmitters. This helps alleviate anxiety, depression and stress, allowing your mind and body to relax. 2
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Detoxification
Magnesium helps draw out toxic substances and heavy metals from the body. It’s also needed for the synthesis of glutathione, which is an antioxidant that detoxifies mercury, lead and arsenic.3
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Additionally, magnesium helps the body digest and absorb proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Plus, it serves as a building block for RNA and DNA synthesis. Having an ideal calcium-to-magnesium ratio in the body may also help prevent muscle spasms that could lead to heart attack or sudden death.
It’s Best to Get Your Daily Dose of Magnesium From Real Foods
One of the culprits behind magnesium deficiency is processed foods, which has become a staple in the American diet nowadays. To combat magnesium deficiency, make sure that you’re eating real, organic foods that come from healthy sources. Some of the magnesium-rich foods that you should add into your diet include:
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Spinach
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Dried seaweed or agar
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Broccoli
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Kale
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Seeds and nuts, such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cashews and raw almonds
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Fatty fishes like wild-caught Alaskan salmon
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Papaya
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Avocado
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Other Possible Sources of Magnesium
Since most of our soils have been depleted of minerals, there’s a chance that you may not meet the daily recommended intake of magnesium by just eating organic foods. In case you experience this, consider using other sources of magnesium, such as Epsom salt baths and supplements.
For supplements, consider taking magnesium threonate, as it seems to have better health benefits than the other forms of magnesium. It can provide higher energy levels by penetrating the mitochondria, and helps improve brain health by penetrating the blood-brain barrier.
Raise Your Magnesium Levels Safely: Keep These Tips in Mind
When increasing your body’s magnesium levels, make sure that you consider other vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, vitamin K2 and vitamin D. These nutrients need to be balanced with one another to provide optimum health benefits and prevent serious complications, such as heart attacks and vitamin D toxicity.
If you’re planning to take magnesium supplement, you should talk to your doctor to determine the dosage that’s suitable for your needs. Also, avoid supplements that contain magnesium stearate, since it’s a common additive that can endanger your health.
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