When talking about nutrition and whole body wellness, there are certain concepts that are always present or at least considered.
From the importance of exercising to the qualities of vitamins A, C and D. However, among all that information, magnesium is a mineral that is not talked about as much.
That changed dramatically in the last year after influencers around the world started creating super-viral content on TikTok (like @dr.mehss, who shared a video on the impact of magnesium deficiencywhich already accumulates more than 8 million views, or @drandreyceballos, who talks about the benefits of this mineral and almost reached one million reproductions) and is now the fashion supplement in the North American market. But, what is true and what is a myth about what is spread about magnesium?
What science says about magnesium and its benefits
First fact: magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and, like other nutrients, it can be obtained through the consumption of food or dietary supplements.
“One of the most important benefits of magnesium, and something that we must all keep in mind, is its participation in various physiological functions at the body level,” says Lucía Galeano, clinical physician (MP 81819), and adds: “For example, in In relation to bones, joints and muscles, it is fundamental in the formation of bone density and in the formation of proteins. It also has functions at the neurological level and participates in different processes at the brain level for issues such as memory, thought, attention, perception and even sleep regulation”.
“Magnesium is part of numerous enzymatic systems that act especially in the metabolic processes of energy production and transfer in the body. It plays an essential role not only in obtaining energy and the nervous system, but also in muscle relaxation, the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, and the formation of proteins.
From the importance of exercising to the qualities of vitamins A, C and D. However, among all that information, magnesium is a mineral that is not talked about as much.
One could almost say that there is no biochemical process in which magnesium does not play a fundamental role, since this mineral fulfills numerous and important functions to maintain health”, explains Raúl Coraglia, biochemist and pharmacist, co-technical director of Natufarma SA., a leading company in Argentina with more than 40 years of experience in the research and manufacture of nutricosmetics and dietary supplements, among other products.
However, the benefits of magnesium are not only those mentioned above, as there are other lesser-known but equally important advantages:
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Support mental health: Magnesium plays a crucial role in the health of the brain and nervous system, which has a direct impact on mood. Low magnesium levels increase the risk of mental illnesses such as depression.
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Relieves migraines: It has been shown that people who suffer from severe headaches sometimes have low levels of magnesium in their bodies. Therefore, under medical advice, magnesium supplements can help alleviate the symptoms of migraines.
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Improves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS): PMS is one of the most common disorders among women, and magnesium has been shown to reduce classic PMS symptoms due to its impact on mood and muscles.
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Fight type 2 diabetes: Although its benefits on osteoporosis and blood pressure are known, the impact of magnesium on type 2 diabetes is less well known. According to scientific studies, it is estimated that about 48% of diabetics have low levels of magnesium in their blood.
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Treatment for constipation: In addition to its popularity in traditional remedies and by word of mouth, the use of magnesium as a constipation treatment has also been backed by science. For example, milk of magnesia is used as a laxative and to treat mild intestinal disorders, as well as cases of indigestion. Magnesium chloride is one of the compounds best known for its osmotic capacity, since it attracts water to the intestine, softens the stool and facilitates evacuation.
These additional benefits further highlight the importance of magnesium in our overall health and well-being.
How to get more magnesium into our diet?
Adding magnesium to our lives can be done in two ways: The first is by adding foods rich in this mineral to your nutrition, such as legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, milk and yogurt.
The second is through dietary supplements in capsule format that help against cramps and tics related to stress or in powder form such as Magnesio Sports from Natufarma (especially indicated for athletes), which has increased sales by 40% in the last year. , demonstrating that the interest in this supplement is also a growing trend in Argentina in tune with the increase in consumption worldwide.
