Magnesium
Health Benefits
Magnesium, a mineral, helps coordinate the activity of the heart muscle as well as the functioning of the nerves that initiate the heartbeat. It also helps keep coronary arteries from spasming. Magnesium plays a part in reducing elevated blood pressure by relaxing the muscles that control blood vessels. It also helps equalize the levels of potassium and sodium in the blood. It can help lower blood pressure and inhibit arrhythmias, two complications in those with congestive heart failure. Having sufficient amounts of magnesium may protect against non-insulin-dependent diabetes and its complications, such as eye disease. It has been shown that for proper muscle contraction and relaxation, magnesium and calcium need to be present in balanced amounts. Magnesium also relaxes contracted or stiff muscles, relieving the aching associated with fibromyalgia. Take the mineral with malic acid, because the acid is believed to enhance the absorption.
Because deficiencies in magnesium have been found in many women suffering from PMS, taking magnesium supplements may help this problem. Menstrual cramping may subside with supplemental doses of magnesium and calcium. Both minerals help to lower the production of prostaglandins. Many migraine sufferers are found to have low magnesium levels in their systems.
By helping the bronchial muscles to relax, and encouraging the lung’s airways to expand, magnesium may ease an asthmatic’s breathing problems. Magnesium helps the body convert vitamin D, which the body needs to take advantage of bone strengthening calcium, into a form that it can use efficiently.
Healthy Magnesium levels promote better sleep.
Magnesium and Vitamin B6 are needed for the body to produce serotonin, an important mood-enhancing brain chemical.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
