The first thing she recommended I take?
Many of these creators are treating magnesium as though its a miracle in a bottle.
I just started taking magnesium three-ish months ago and I can confidently say that it is life-changing.
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Despite what the recent buzz might suggest, magnesium is not a newly discovered mineral.
Countless studies have suggested a connection betweenmagnesium levels and sleep qualityandstress levels.
To quote the medical history podcast,Sawbones, cure-alls tend to, in fact, cure nothing.
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So what about this specific supplement has so many people convinced its necessary?
Experts explain why this is one pill you may want to swallow.
What is magnesium?
You may vaguely recall the Mg on the periodic table in your science classthats the element magnesium.
(Its atomic number is 12, in case you were wondering.
Though humans dont produce Mg naturally, we do absorb it from the foods we eat.
Consuming foods rich in magnesium ensures that we maintain adequate levels, she says.
What are the key benefits of magnesium?
Here, six of magnesiums main benefits.
Sekhon says that magnesium can help regulate our moods, which may be beneficial for reducing symptoms ofdepressionand anxiety.
Sharp explains that there are a few ways that magnesium can potentiallyhelp with sleep.
First, it helps relax your muscles, which preps your body for needed rest.
She also points to its ability as aneurotransmitter regulator.
Lastly, it is involved with melatonin production to aid ourcircadian rhythmwhile we sleep.
Alleviates Migraine PainsStudies show thatlow magnesium intake can result in migraine.
Dr. Adamian adds that this is likely due to its effect on the blood vessels and the nervous system.
Magnesium prevents the narrowing of blood vessels, which can trigger these migraine headaches.
It may also help with bone density loss.
What are good sources of magnesium?
As mentioned above, the primary way people get magnesium is through their diets.
The rule of thumb is whatever contains fiber usually has magnesium, she says.
Dr. Sharp says magnesium citrate, for example, is used in laxatives.
Pharmacopeia(USP),ConsumerLab, or theNational Sanitation Foundation(NSF).
The NSF also offers consumers a way tosearch if a supplementhas been vetted.
How much magnesium do you need in your diet?
Most Americans do not get the recommended amount of magnesium per day, says Keatley.
We recommend you consult with your doctor because exactly how much you need varies based on age.
To put that into perspective,one cup of spinachcontains about 79 milligrams.
What are the signs of a magnesium deficiency?
In cases where a true deficiency is found, doctors are likely to recommend a magnesium supplement.
Those people likely fall into the less concerning insufficient, rather than deficient, category.
Are there any downsides to magnesium?
Regardless of your health, you should be mindful about adding supplements.
Because supplements are unregulated, you might be taking one that wont have muchif anymagnesium at all.
How to safely take magnesium
First and foremost, give your doctor a ring.
Gannon warns that the correct dose and form of magnesium both depend on why you are taking it.
“Beware of going to the pharmacy and buying something without having that conversation,” she says.
Has it been the end of all my stress?
But its been a nice supplement to my life overallpun very much intended.
Additional reporting by Carolyn Todd.
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