Magnesium is all around us. It is one of the ten most abundant minerals on earth.
It is one of the five most common minerals in the human body, about half of which are found in bones. It’s everywhere, yet millions of people suffer from magnesium deficiency and don’t even realize it. There aren’t many accurate tests to determine if you are magnesium deficient, but there are signs that your body may benefit from it.
Why do you need magnesium?
Magnesium is required for more than 300 different reactions in the body. Much of it is found in the soft tissues of the brain and heart, two important systems that rely on it to function properly. It helps control body temperature and detoxify the body. The list of health benefits is too long to discuss in detail, but here are some of the more important ones:
blood pressure management
Reverse osteoporosis
Heart disease prevention
diabetes treatment
It can reduce anxiety and depression.
sleep disorder treatment
strengthen bones
protein production
Help you lose weight
Promote good circulation.
Asthma treatment
Prevent stroke
Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D
We’ve all heard how important calcium is for healthy bones and immunity, but without the right amount of magnesium, calcium can be dangerous. The body uses calcium to help transport magnesium out of cells. Without enough magnesium, calcium can build up instead of being absorbed properly and become toxic in the bones.
Like calcium, magnesium relies on vitamin D for optimal absorption. Since magnesium is poorly absorbed during digestion, you may take it but not get the full benefits if you are deficient in the vitamin. To stay healthy, a balance needs to be struck between these three essential elements.
How to Recognize Magnesium Deficiency
With so many people on Earth, it’s not hard to recognize its absence. It’s believed that 68 to 80 percent of Americans don’t have enough magnesium in their bodies. A magnesium test determines the amount of magnesium in your blood. While most of the magnesium in the body is found in bones and cells, only small amounts are found in the blood. So while there aren’t many specific tests to determine whether you need magnesium right away, there are signs that your body will benefit from it.
Mild symptoms include difficulty concentrating and losing energy during the day. You may tire easily and have difficulty concentrating. People who are deficient in magnesium can experience irritability, stress, and anxiety. Some typical deficiency symptoms include:
sensitivity to sound
sleep problems
infertility
Frequent headaches
digestive problems
Worry
Temperatures fluctuate constantly.
Muscle strain There are other serious indicators. You may feel nauseous or lose your appetite. If symptoms are left untreated, they may turn into irregular heartbeats, seizures, and rapid mood changes.