Maintaining a well-balanced diet and engaging in physical activity leads to a healthy life. Well-balanced diet refers to a combination of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, herbs, minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. Magnesium is a mineral that is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the human body. Along with eating magnesium-rich food, magnesium supplements are also considered as a great option to maintain the magnesium level in the body. Supplements, which are available in the form of magnesium citrate, lactate, aspartate, and chloride, can increase the magnesium level in an effective way. Magnesium helps in maintaining the following functions in the body:
- Normal muscle and nerve function.
- Active immune system.
- Steady heartbeat.
- Strong bones.
- Regulate blood sugar.
- Integration of protein, RNA, and DNA.
How Can the Low Magnesium Level Affect the Body?
Magnesium is considered as one of the best laxatives found today and also helps in preventing kidney stones, hearing loss, and migraine attacks. It also remarkably improves the athletic performance and greatly helps in treating insomnia. However, when a body encounters the low-level of magnesium in the body, one might suffer from the following ailments:
- Osteoporosis
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Muscle contractions
- Seizures
- Coronary spasm
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Involuntary eye movements
How the Level of Magnesium Depletes in the Body?
Apart from eating magnesium-deficit diet, the following are the reasons for the low-level magnesium in the body:
- High-level alcohol consumption
- Crohn’s disease, which is a gastrointestinal condition
- Celiac disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Some drugs like diuretics, digoxin (a drug for the heart), penicillamine (for rheumatoid arthritis), etc.
How to Elevate the Level of Magnesium in the Body?
When a healthy diet is consumed on a regular basis, the magnesium level can accentuate in a great way. Foods that are rich in magnesium are as follows:
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Dark green vegetables
- Meat
- Fish
- Fruits like avocado, banana, etc.
How Are the Magnesium Supplements Useful?
Magnesium supplements can also remarkably increase the magnesium level in the body if taken in appropriate quantity along with the balanced diet. Usually, it is prescribed according to the age and gender of the person. It has the power to prevent stroke, abrupt cardiac death, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, etc.
Is it Safe to Consume Magnesium Supplements?
Calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium are the minerals that are needed in the body for its proper functioning. Hence, it is important to maintain a strict balance between all the minerals in order to enjoy a healthy life. If the level of any one of the minerals elevates, the levels of other minerals deplete. For example, if magnesium is taken in high quantity, the calcium level tends to decrease. Therefore, magnesium supplements must be taken in prescribed quantity.
Conclusion
When the magnesium supplement is taken in the form of magnesium citrate, it helps increase the level of magnesium in the body, relieving various diseases. However, the higher dose contributes to diarrhea, confusion, trouble in breathing, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Therefore, when consumed in restricted quantity, it produces wondrous results.