June 1, 2010

Health Benefits of Magnesium Supplement

Posted in Category : Foods that Heal

Magnesium is one of the crucial elements that exists in nearly every living cell on earth. It is required for the conduction of neural impulses and also as a regulatory mechanism in calcium channels and also it serves its importance in the ATP cycle. The ATP cycle is the basic energy mechanism of the body and energy released with the conversion of Adenosine triphosphate or ATP to Adenosine Diphosphate or ADP. ATP in the body is actually bound to magnesium. The required intake of magnesium in the body is deemed to be 350 mg per day. Unfortunately, this level is nearly never maintained unless supplements are taken. This is because the highest sources of magnesium in nature are from leafy green vegetables and nuts. Leafy green vegetables have copious amounts of magnesium because magnesium is the main constituent of chlorophyll. To this effect, magnesium supplementation is a good move. However, whatever kind of supplements you do take; remember that your ideal intake should not go dramatically over 350 mg a day as it could result in a condition of diarrhea.

Magnesium deficiency is classified by the medical community as something that is nearly impossible because nearly all types of food from bread to meat contain trace amounts of magnesium that is necessary to keep us alive. However, the condition can occur in some diseases or in people who are on intravenous drips for sustenance. The signs of magnesium deficiency are fatigue and muscle weakness. This is because magnesium is directly connected to the energy reactions in our body. Besides, magnesium is also responsible for the maintenance of calcium channels, which are further responsible for muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency, therefore, can also cause muscle cramps because the muscles do not receive the signal to “switch off.”

Probably a better practice than eating supplements continuously in the form of tables, it is better to supplement this using natural means. There have been a lot of benefits stated about the use of spirulina, but among the few benefits that have been accepted is magnesium supplementation. Other sources include spinach that can also help you increase the amount of iron and magnesium in the body. However, even these methods are not completely effective in supplying the required daily concentration and would really have to be taken in huge quantities to be completely adequate. This might make synthetic alternatives a better avenue to pursue in terms of magnesium supplementation.