Magnesium is Essential to Your Health: Do You Know Why?

There are many different nutrients that play vital roles within the body, which means that when the body becomes deficient in those nutrients, symptoms of illness begin to appear. Magnesium is one of the most essential macro-minerals needed by the body, yet most people don’t receive enough magnesium on a regular basis.

The Role of Magnesium in the Body

Magnesium is one of the seven essential minerals that the body needs in relatively large amounts each day. This means it doesn’t just play a small role in the body. Quite the opposite: magnesium makes it possible for more than 300 enzymatic reactions to function in the body, from metabolism of food and transmission of nerve impulses to synthesis of fatty acids and proteins. All of this means that magnesium makes it possible for the body to produce and use energy, contract and relax muscles, and control vital body functions. In short, it’s totally essential to health and wellness.

Getting Enough Magnesium

The National Institutes of Health recommend that young children 1-3 get 80 milligrams of magnesium a day, and the number rises up to 240 milligrams for the 9-13 age bracket. Adult females need 310 milligrams daily, and up to 400 milligrams when pregnant. Adult males need more magnesium than anybody else, with an RDA of 420 milligrams. Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, black beans, oatmeal, peanut butter, cow’s milk, edamame, and bananas are all great sources of magnesium.

Supplementing with Magnesium for Health Benefits

Many Americans don’t eat enough magnesium every day, which puts them at risk of suffering a variety of health problems. Too little magnesium in the body has been found to increase levels of anxiety due to unregulated activity in the glands that control stress. Furthermore, since magnesium is critical to the health of all muscles, including the heart muscles, too little magnesium is linked to heart problems. Even migraine headaches can be traced back to magnesium deficiency. A magnesium supplement can resolve these problems quickly and easily.

The health of your body is complicated and complex, and it’s challenging to identify whether a magnesium deficiency or other issue is the cause for your health conditions. An internist like Kavita Rao M.D. in St. Petersburg will take the time to evaluate your health and help you find the best natural solutions. Contact Dr. Rao today at (727) 525-0900 to get the individualized attention you need to improve your wellness and overall quality of life.