Magnesium: Deficiency and Importance

A popular conception is that magnesium is the mineral that maintain good moods. Also, that it is important for women to consume enough magnesium daily to maintain smooth functioning of the reproductive system.

To boil it down, magnesium is much more than a mineral for women. It is equally important to both men and women and the magnesium deficiency has some serious outcomes.

Most common cause of magnesium deficiency is malnutrition or lack of a balanced diet. Many medical conditions are also responsible for magnesium deficiency. These include renal diseases, chronic alcoholism, diabetes, excessive stress (also stress after surgery) and diseases of the parathyroid gland.

Magnesium deficiency affects the body in more ways than one. Prolonged deficiency may lead to deficiency of calcium and potassium in body because magnesium has important role in their absorption by the body. The deficiency can lead to arteriosclerosis, kidney stones, muscle cramps, epileptic seizures, chronic depression and nervous irritability.

Since it is one of the antioxidant minerals, the deficiency leads to pre-mature aging of the skin. It may also lead to insomnia, increased sensitivity to noise, confused mental state and apprehension.

The importance of magnesium can be derived from the consequences of its deficiency. Still, here are certain things worth sharing.

Magnesium improves the reaction of insulin towards the blood sugar levels. Hence the minerals are essential for all diabetic patients. Magnesium is necessary to maintain regular rhythm of the heart. Also, it has been helpful in keeping blood pressure normal. It is part of the ion exchange pump in the heart which keeps the heart functioning.

Magnesium brings relief to people suffering from muscular tress and severe backaches. Since it has hand in calcium absorption, regular magnesium supplementation can help in strengthening of the bones.

The minerals, alone, has been studied and found to be effective in treating psychiatric disorders such as stress, anxiety and hyperactivity. Magnesium supplementation is helpful in getting relief from constipation.

Magnesium plays a very significant role in PMS. The mineral, along with other vitamins and minerals helps in speedy recovery from PMS. It helps in dealing with increased emotional sensitivity.

Best sources of magnesium are almonds, cashew nuts, pie nuts, pumpkin, chickpeas, barley, potato, broccoli, tuna, wheat flour, brown rice, tomato and spinach.