We all want our bodies to function effectively and at their best. That is why we need minerals that aid body function. Today, we shall be discussing magnesium supplements in detail. Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for our body to function well. Many individuals don’t get to enjoy enough magnesium in their diets. Therefore, there is a need for a supplement to meet the need for this essential nutrient. Don’t forget that a complete diet should provide all the necessary nutrients needed by the body. Even if you get magnesium from your diet, sometimes, a supplement is required to avoid a case of low magnesium level in the body.
The function of magnesium has to majorly deal with bone and its structure in the body. For the proper growth of bones, muscles and other body parts, magnesium is required. Using the human stomach as a case study, magnesium plays a vital role in neutralising stomach acid. When the body is low on magnesium, it shows symptoms that include; high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
The human body needs magnesium to carry out enzymatic processes. The role of magnesium is significant in the body. It is as vital as it can cause sleep problems when the body doesn’t have enough of it. Magnesium helps build energy and is the fourth most needed mineral in the body. To balance your health and keep the body working at its optimum best, your body needs magnesium. If you are not getting enough of this from food, the best option is to avoid a deficiency by taking a magnesium supplement.
Research has shown that when people with high blood pressure take magnesium supplements, they see tremendous improvement in the state of their health. Its function goes as far as aiding insulin resistance in the body. You must have read somewhere about the role of insulin in the body. Medically, magnesium supplements have been considered safe for consumption, but if you have a medical condition, you can visit a healthcare specialist before taking them.
Since we have discussed how important the role of magnesium is in the body, the next step is to consider the available magnesium supplement options. Since they are available in many forms, it is always challenging to choose which to go with.
The best option for magnesium supplement is below (Note; the easier it is to be absorbed by the body, the better).
Magnesium chloride
This is a combination of magnesium and chlorine. This supplement option is healthy to be consumed by males and females. It helps to ensure that the heart is healthy and blood pressure is kept at normal. A study has shown that people with high blood pressure use magnesium supplements to ensure that they reduce their blood pressure. This supplement is not used as a treatment option for any disease, but it helps to aid the healing process when combined with medication. Most importantly, it works as a means to improve dietary intake.
Magnesium citrate
This is one of the several options for a magnesium supplement. This is a blend of citric acid, magnesium citrate, and magnesium oxide. It is known to have a high effect on bowel movements. If you have noticed an abnormality in the pattern of your bowel habits, you might want to give this supplement a try. It works well for people suffering from constipation because magnesium is known to be good as an osmotic laxative. Therefore, it works well in drawing water into the intestines to improve bowel movements.
Magnesium sulfate
This is also known as Epsom salt in mineral compounds, and it helps to improve the health of our muscles. For instance, when a person feels sore all over his muscles, this can be used to solve the pain. Therefore, it plays the active role of being a pain reliever for bruises, aches, and other body ailments. In addition to the mentioned benefit, it can be used to treat constipation (this is its role as a supplement).
Magnesium malate
This is a simple dietary supplement. It is a combination of magnesium and malate. It can be used alongside a healthy diet to control blood sugar levels. It also plays a vital role in helping you have a peaceful sleep. This will be highly beneficial to people with poor sleep. If you suffer from fatigue, this is an excellent supplement. Due to the presence of the malate, the magnesium can be easily absorbed into the body.
Magnesium glycinate
This is a supplement option that helps the body meet its essential minerals. It is also known as magnesium bis-glycinate. It is a dietary supplement that contains 14.1% of magnesium. It helps to reduce anxiety because it has a calming ability. It can also be used by individuals suffering from depression and insomnia. It works best in ensuring that your heart is beating at a regular rate. In addition, it helps to reduce the chances of being exposed to type-2 diabetes by managing blood sugar levels. We all know how important sleep is in maintaining good health. Without sleep, it will be difficult for the body to be fit for another day. Magnesium glycinate plays a more critical role in ensuring that you get the adequate rest you deserve after a stressful day at work.
In conclusion,
Despite the various health benefits of magnesium supplements, it needs to be consumed in the correct dosage. It is an essential body nutrient, but it has to be taken appropriately. Furthermore, if you are pregnant or lactating, you might as well contact a health professional before choosing the type of magnesium supplement to choose.
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Recommended books for further reading:
- Eat Yourself Healthy: An easy-to-digest guide to health and happiness from the inside out
- How Not To Die: Discover the foods scientifically proven to prevent and reverse disease
- The 4 Pillar Plan: How to Relax, Eat, Move and Sleep Your Way to a Longer, Healthier Life
- Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness
- Eat to Beat Disease: The Body’s Five Defence Systems and the Foods that Could Save Your Life