You might have heard about magnesium deficiency and appetite being related. But in fact, not only magnesium deficiency does not result in an appetite increase, but also it may cause a loss of appetite. This article talks about the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, the benefits of magnesium, and how it is related to obesity and appetite.
What is the role of magnesium in the body?
Magnesium plays an important role in the body. This mineral helps more than 300 enzymes to perform various chemical reactions in the body including:
- bone and teeth structure
- DNA replication
- energy production
- muscle function
- nerve function
- RNA and protein synthesis
It also acts as an electrical conductor contracting muscles and making the heartbeat steady. Our body stores more than half of the magnesium in bones, and the remaining in different tissues throughout the body.
Which foods are rich in magnesium?
Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, spinach, almonds, cashews, black beans, edamame, peanut butter, brown rice, salmon, halibut, and avocado are some of the foods that are rich in magnesium.
Association between magnesium deficiency and obesity
Magnesium plays an important role in the heart, bones, nerves, and some other parts of the body running smoothly. So, magnesium deficiency can cause these areas to malfunction. But is there any association between magnesium deficiency and obesity?
Studies have shown obese people are often magnesium deficient. But both obesity and magnesium deficiency can be the results of an unhealthy diet that is high in calories but poor in nutrients. It means that we cannot say that obesity is the result of magnesium deficiency, but they both happen as a result of a bad diet.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency in its early stages can have symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. Although many people do not get enough magnesium through their diet, magnesium deficiency is rare and these symptoms are usually a sign of an underlying health condition because the body helps to preserve the mineral’s levels when stores are low by absorbing more magnesium and excreting less amount in urine.
So, true magnesium deficiency happens after a long-term low magnesium diet, large losses caused by alcohol abuse, malabsorption, long-term use of diuretics, kidney problems, type 2 diabetes, or use of medications that deplete magnesium. To conclude, these can be the symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
- Fatigue, weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Numbness or tingling in the skin
- Shaking
- Muscle cramps
- Pins and needles
- sleepiness
- Seizures
- hyperexcitability
- Abnormal heart rate
Benefits of Magnesium
To keep your body working at its best, it is important to get enough magnesium. This mineral is required for the proper growth and maintenance of your bones. It is also needed for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and several other parts of the body. In the stomach, magnesium helps neutralize stomach acid and moves stools through the gut. Other benefits of magnesium include:
- It may boost your exercise performance
- It may help you combat depression
- It may prevent high blood sugar levels
- It may promote your heart health
- It boasts anti-inflammatory benefits
- It may help prevent migraine attacks
- It may improve PMS symptoms
- It may support better sleep
- It may reduce anxiety symptoms
Is Magnesium Supplement Effective?
Although you can get sufficient amounts of magnesium from your diet, taking a supplement may help your health if you have difficulty getting your magnesium needs through your normal diet or if you have a deficiency. Taking a magnesium supplement to fix a deficiency has been believed to have health benefits. These benefits include improvements in blood pressure, mood, blood sugar management, and a lower risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease. Ensure you consult your doctor before taking a magnesium supplement and not to take more than the recommended dose because it may have side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and even irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest in some severe cases.
There are different forms of over-the-counter magnesium supplements. Here, we introduce one of the best magnesium supplements available:
New Chapter Magnesium + Ashwagandha Supplement which you can purchase at the link below:
This product includes highly bioavailable Magnesium glycinate that can be absorbed 2.5x better by your body. Taking this gluten-free tablet will enhance your muscle, heart, and bone health and make you feel calmer and more relaxed.
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