We don’t know about you, but our social media feeds have been featuring a lot of magnesium these days. But, if we’re being honest, we’ve actually learned a lot about it! So, let’s talk about this mineral, what it does for our bodies, and how we can ensure we’re consuming plenty of it to keep our systems running.
What Is Magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It helps with hundreds of body processes, from muscle and nerve function to regulating blood sugar. While magnesium is found in a number of foods and drinks we consume, if a medical professional notices that a person is deficient, they can also suggest supplements.
How Magnesium Benefits the Body
Here are just a few of the many ways magnesium benefits us:
- It supports hundreds of chemical reactions within the body, including energy creation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and more.
- Magnesium deficiency has been linked to depression, so increasing magnesium may lessen depression symptoms.
- Healthy magnesium levels have been linked to improved blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and other Type 2 diabetes risk factors.
- If you suffer from migraines, there’s a chance you may suffer from low magnesium levels. Incorporating more magnesium into your diet may prevent or lessen migraine attacks.
- Suffer from stress? Magnesium can help reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.
Symptoms of Being Magnesium-Deficient
You’re probably wondering how you would even know you’re low in magnesium. Here are some symptoms:
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Tremors
- Abnormal heart rhythms
How to Add Magnesium to Your Diet
Here is a list of magnesium-rich foods. More avocado toast? Don’t mind if we do.
- Spinach
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Black beans
- Edamame
- Pumpkin seeds
- Almonds
- Brown rice
- Chocolate
- Peanut butter
- Potatoes
- Yogurt
- Greens
- Tofu
- Milk
You can also talk to your doctor about adding magnesium supplements to your daily vitamin regimen.
Is Magnesium Overdose a Thing?
You may have heard about something known as a magnesium overdose, which is rare in someone who does not suffer from certain chronic health conditions. It’s known as hypermagnesemia; symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, urinary retention, respiratory distress, or cardiac arrest.