Magnesium: The Antistress Mineral

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Magnesium Aka The Antistress Mineral: Properties And Benefits

Also known as the "stress reliever mineral", magnesium is a real balm. It brings extraordinary benefits to the psycho-physical well-being of our body and acts positively with respect to depression

Magnesium is an important mineral for energy production and nervous system health.

Magnesium is a very important mineral for humans, in which it is involved in numerous biochemical processes and brings many health benefits.

In the event of a deficiency, it may be useful to resort to the use of magnesium supplements
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What Is Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important physiological role: just think that it acts as an activator of about 300 enzymes, which regulate fundamental metabolic processes. The body content of magnesium in the adult organism is about 20 - 28 g: 60% is present in the bones, 39% in the tissues and about 1% in the extracellular fluids.
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What Is Magnesium Used For

Magnesium plays numerous and important roles in the human body, let's see what the main functions of magnesium are:

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• It is involved in energy metabolism, favouring the conversion of food into energy.
• It is involved in the synthesis of proteins.
• It is involved in the processes of contraction and relaxation of the muscles.
• Promotes proper functioning of the nervous system.
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Properties And Benefits Of Magnesium

Given its numerous functions, magnesium contributes enormously to psychophysical well-being. Here are some properties and benefits of magnesium:
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1) Antidepressant and calming action on the nervous system

Magnesium stimulates nervous function, favoring the transmission of impulses: at the intracellular level, it activates hexokinase, an enzyme that converts glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, the first step in glycolysis (process through which sugars are "burned" to produce energy), necessary to supply energy to all cells; in particular those nerve and muscle that consume a large amount. Among the many functions exercised, this precious mineral stimulates the production of serotonin, an endorphin that acts on specific receptors in the brain, and which has an analgesic, antidepressant and mood stabilizing action.

Stress tends to deplete magnesium reserves because the body uses it for its calming and antidepressant capacity. In fact, its deficiency produces depression, nervousness, anxiety, nervous tics and insomnia. Also in pre-menstrual syndrome and in menopause, due to hormonal imbalances, significant drops in magnesium levels have been found, with consequent depression, a sense of inadequacy and irritability.
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2) Antispasmodic and relaxing action on the muscles

Magnesium stimulates muscle functions and normalizes the heart rhythm and prevents cardiovascular disease: a deficiency of this mineral produces muscle tension and cramps. Hypomagnesemia can produce arterial hypertension and would also seem to favor the onset of atherosclerosis, especially in the case of a diet rich in cholesterol. Due to these properties it is indicated to relax smooth muscles in case of irritable bowel (it favors its functionality, with a delicate laxative effect), headache caused by nervous tension, tachycardia, palpitations and menstrual pain.
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3) Remineralizing action

Magnesium is essential for the process of mineralization and development of the skeletal system. It strengthens the enamel of the teeth and together with calcium and phosphorus participates in the construction of the skeleton. In fact, about 70% of the body's magnesium is found in the osteoarticular system.
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Daily Magnesium Requirement

The recommended daily dose of magnesium for an average adult is 240 mg, for both men and women.
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Magnesium In Food

Magnesium is found in many foods, especially of plant origin. Let's see some foods rich in magnesium:

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• Oil seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, cashews and almonds.
• Spinach and beets.
• Dark chocolate
• Banana
• Legumes
• Whole grains
• Salmon
• Avocado
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When To Take Magnesium

The main intake of magnesium comes from diet, however, in the case of a diagnostic magnesium deficiency, an increased need for magnesium or a diet that is not varied and low in plant foods, it may be useful to resort to the use of magnesium supplements.

They are available in powder or capsule form or intravenously, but before taking any form of supplement, it is recommended that you discuss this with your doctor.
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What Happens In Case Of Magnesium Deficiency Or Excess

Fortunately, magnesium deficiency is uncommon, but it can occur especially in the case of medical conditions. The main symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:
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• Tiredness and fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea and vomit
• Numbness
• Muscle cramps
• Arrhythmias
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Hypermagnesemia (excess magnesium) is also quite rare, as our kidneys are able to expel any excess. Symptoms of hypermagnesemia are:

• Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Abnormal heartbeat.
• Respiratory difficulties