What Is Magnesium (and Why Do We Need It)?

Magnesium is a mineral that’s found in the earth and it’s also available in supplement form. It’s also in your body naturally — and it can be enjoyed from the foods you eat on a regular basis. Keep reading to learn more about magnesium and why it’s important for many internal processes necessary to keep you alive.

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Why Do We Need Magnesium

Magnesium helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. It also helps keep nerves, muscles, and bones working properly and remaining strong and healthy. It’s also a mineral that helps regulate calcium and blood sugar levels.

What’s more, magnesium is vital for the production of protein. And it also helps with over 300 chemical processes in your body. Other perks associated with magnesium include:

• Muscle and nerve function: It helps muscles contract and relax properly and supports nerve signaling.
• Bone health: Magnesium contributes to bone formation, regulates calcium and vitamin D levels, and is linked to higher bone density and lower risk of osteoporosis.
• Heart and blood pressure regulation: It helps maintain a steady heartbeat and normal blood pressure.
• Energy production and metabolism: Magnesium is essential for converting food into energy, synthesizing proteins, and regulating blood sugar levels.
• Mental health and sleep: Adequate magnesium may improve mood, reduce stress hormone levels, and support better sleep.
• Exercise performance: Magnesium helps move glucose into muscles and remove lactate, improving recovery and reducing fatigue.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Magnesium?

Many people do not get enough magnesium in their diet, which can lead to subtle or severe health issues. Chronic low magnesium intake is associated with inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

What Can Extra Magnesium Do?

Magnesium in extra doses (from food or vitamin supplements) may help regulate blood sugar more effectively (especially if you have diabetes). And there’s evidence magnesium may help with weight loss — and it may even help reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. And it could also help with severe headaches, anxiety, and possibly digestive issues.

What Are Dietary Sources of Magnesium?

Dietary sources of magnesium include nuts, berries, and whole grains. And focus on leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce. Some fruits also contain magnesium — and you can even find it in certain dairy products. Find a full list here. And if you can’t get sufficient amounts of magnesium from your diet alone, consider supplements. Supplements can round out your magnesium needs, especially if you can’t eat certain dietary sources sufficiently.