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How Does Magnesium Benefit the Body?

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If you suffer from chronic pain and fatigue, you may be interested to know that magnesium plays a large role in your level of pain. Read on to find out how magnesium benefits the body and can reverse symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral for the entire body. Magnesium is necessary for biological function, optimal health, metabolism, the thyroid, and even to reduce chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia pain.

Magnesium is the fourth most-present mineral in the body and is used in nearly 4,000 processes in the body. Over 300 enzymes require magnesium to function properly. As you can see, magnesium is incredibly important, but many Americans are deficient in this vital mineral. This can cause problems such as weight gain, low energy, and fibromyalgia pain.

What Does Magnesium Do?

Magnesium is used for many functions in the body, some of which include: Producing energy Regulating the metabolism Regulating the heart Bone and tooth formation Regulation of blood sugar Proper nerve function Proper muscle function As you can tell by these main magnesium "jobs," if you are low in magnesium you are more likely to suffer from the common fibromyalgia symptoms of generalized pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

What Happens When You Don't Get Enough Magnesium?

Without magnesium, your body falls apart fast. First, your cells metabolic function deteriorates, which leads to a host of other problems, including:

Consequences of Low Magnesium
  • Migraines
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Heart disease
  • Toxin overload
  • Increased cancer risk

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Not all cases of fibromyalgia are caused by low magnesium, but it can be a significant factor. However, magnesium deficiency does not simply have one sign. Ask your doctor for a magnesium level test if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Muscle cramps (like Charlie horses)
  • Frequent headaches and migraines
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Muscle aches
  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • Numbness and tingling in the limbs
  • Severe menstrual cramps
  • Frequent nausea

The Ideal Magnesium Level

If you are lacking in magnesium, you may need to supplement to increase your bone and muscle magnesium levels. The recommended daily intake of magnesium is up to 500 mg per day, but some people may need more than that.

Current research suggests that most people can take up to 900 mg per day before any side effects occur. You will know if you are taking too much magnesium if your stools are loose. The body will not hold on to extra magnesium and releases it through loose stools. The ideal way to supplement with magnesium is to start with about 300 mg per day and gradually increase your intake until your stools soften or your fibromyalgia symptoms subside.

Foods with Magnesium

In addition to supplements, it is important to eat magnesium-rich foods regularly. These foods include:

  • Spinach
  • Turnip greens
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Kale
  • Fatty fish
  • Squash
  • Broccoli
  • Papaya
  • Tomato
  • Strawberries
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds

The Link Between Magnesium and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia was considered an imaginary disease for many years, but now the medical industry recognizes that this condition is real and affects millions of women (and some men) around the world. There are several factors that strongly link magnesium deficiency with fibromyalgia symptoms including:

Symptoms Overlap

Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and a magnesium deficiency overlap. For example, both cause headaches, muscle aches, weakness, low-energy, and low appetite.

More Women Get Fibromyalgia

Women are more likely than men to be low in magnesium due to their monthly menstrual cycles. Women are also more likely to have fibromyalgia. This could be a coincidence, but it seems like there is a strong link between the two conditions.

Supplementing with Magnesium Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain

The biggest link between magnesium deficiency and fibromyalgia is in the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation for muscle pain and weakness. In a study published in Rheumatology International in 2013 it was found that fibromyalgia patients are more likely to be deficient in magnesium and the lower their magnesium levels the more severe their fibromyalgia symptoms became. Supplementing with magnesium significantly reduced pain in fibromyalgia patients.

Other Steps that Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms

In addition to magnesium, other supplements are also effective at reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The following supplements have been linked with a reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms in numerous studies:

Broccoli Powder

Broccoli powder contains a compound called ascorbigen, which is a medicinal compound that works to reduce toxic build-up in the body. A study from 2000 found that when fibromyalgia patients supplemented with broccoli powder and ascorbigen power their symptoms were reduced within one month.

Ginger Root

Ginger has been used to reduce inflammation for thousands of years. One possible cause of fibromyalgia is an overactive autoimmune system triggered by chronic inflammation. Reducing inflammation can reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola has been used as a medicinal treatment for fatigue for hundreds of years. The compounds boost ATP production, which is necessary for producing energy. This works in combination with other treatment methods to boost muscle function and prevent fatigue.

Malic Acid

Malic acid is found in many foods but appears in large concentrations in apple juice. Malic acid boosts the absorption of other nutrients, particularly magnesium.

Melatonin

Individuals with fibromyalgia are commonly also suffering from insomnia due to pain and daytime fatigue. Supplementing with melatonin can help reset the body's natural biological clock and help regulate your sleep/wake cycle. A healthy night's sleep can go a long way toward reducing pain and fatigue.

5-HTP

5-HTP is used to produce serotonin. Serotonin is essential for regulating moods and preventing depression. Depression is a common side effect of fibromyalgia. Supplementing with 5-HTP can reduce anxiety, pain, insomnia, and tender points.

Fibromyalgia and Magnesium Linked

If you suffer from chronic fatigue and generalized pain, you might be deficient in magnesium and other nutrients. The best way to eliminate as much pain as possible is to boost your nutrient levels from the inside out. Supplementing with magnesium and other compounds can significantly reduce fibromyalgia symptoms and lessen your daily aches and pains so you can function normally once more.

Sources


http://web.mit.edu/london/www/magnesium.html

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/magnesiums-importance-far-greater-previously-imagined

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

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