We've been hearing a lot about magnesium supplements lately, but why? Magnesium is an essential mineral in your body that comes into play with many different systems, including muscles, blood pressure and blood sugar. You can get it from your diet with leafy greens, nuts, beans and whole grains.
Too little magnesium, and you can get muscle cramps and weakness, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, asthma, insomnia and irregular heartbeat. A magnesium deficiency can even exacerbate anxiety disorders.
The good news is that even though most diets do not meet the recommended daily allowance, a severe deficiency is rare and only a little boost is needed to get back on track.
You also do not want to overdo it with magnesium, though. Way too much, and you’ll get stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea (magnesium is a great laxative). Plus, it can interact with certain medications, so make sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking a magnesium supplement.
Luckily, our favorite supplements do a great balancing act gently getting your magnesium levels where they need to be without overdoing it. They focus on the calming aspects of the mineral -- the full extent is still being discovered by researchers, but there are promising studies that show how beneficial magnesium can be for your mood. But, many supplements have some of the above benefits as well. The supplements are a great way to add a little boost to your diet and a little lift to your mood.
Do you take any dietary supplements?