Magnesium is also a muscle relaxant, helps combat depression, relieves the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, helps induce sleep, and prevents constipation.
Ninety-nine percent of the magnesium found in our bodies is stored in bones, muscles, and tissues; while 1% is concentrated in the blood. For this reason, it's very difficult to quantify how much magnesium we have in our bodies.
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, migraines, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.
It's important to consume enough magnesium-rich foods to ensure adequate amounts for optimal health. Magnesium is found in spinach, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, pecans, black beans, avocado, dried figs, yogurt, bananas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Excess magnesium consumed in food poses no health problems, as it is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. However, excessive supplementation can have side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
Functions of magnesium in the body:
• This macromineral is a component of the skeletal system, teeth, and many enzymes.
• Invigorates and cleanses the intestine.
• Prevents wrinkles.
• Necessary for the muscular torso.
• It participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, in the contraction and relaxation of muscles, in the transport of oxygen at the tissue level and actively participates in energy metabolism.
Magnesium supplements that are best absorbed are:
-Chelated magnesium is the form in which it is naturally found in foods and is the one that is best absorbed by the body.
Magnesium citrate is magnesium combined with citric acid; it's very effective at improving digestion and combating constipation; if taken in excess, it can have laxative effects.
-Magnesium chloride oil can be applied to the skin and is also used by athletes to improve their energy and endurance, and as a muscle relaxant.
-Magnesium glycinate is highly absorbable and is recommended when other forms of magnesium supplements cause laxative effects.
