What is Magnesium

What is Magnesium

Magnesium (atomic symbol Mg) is an essential mineral found in our bones, muscles, cells, and bodily fluids. It is common for humans to be deficient in magnesium. It has a very calming effect on our muscles and nerves. Our bodies cannot produce magnesium and therefore must be consumed through food and/or supplements.

Benefits of Magnesium

As mentioned earlier magnesium helps relax your muscles (heart included) and nerves, it also strengthens your muscles and bones, helps with protein synthesis, blood flow, and energy production. Many people use it for sleep help, anxiety, cramping, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.

If you are deficient in magnesium you could experience muscle cramps, muscle weakness, poor and irregular heartbeat, weak bone structure, insomnia, high blood pressure, and fatigue. There are no major toxicity issues with magnesium, however, consuming too much could cause diarrhea.

Magnesium Foods

Magnesium is commonly found in plant foods and green veggies like spinach, celery, broccoli, and cucumbers. You can also find it in sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds or black beans, navy beans and seafood. It is suggested for adults to consume about 310-420 mg per day.