Magnesium is a mineral involved in numerous processes in the body, from supporting muscles and bones to promoting energy metabolism. While magnesium is important for everyone, there are times and situations when your body needs it extra badly. In this blog, we discuss when it is wise to take extra magnesium, and why your need for this mineral increases in certain cases.
Magnesium: essential for your body
Magnesium plays an important role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body. Among other things, it supports energy production, contributes to muscle function, and helps your nervous system function properly. In addition, magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is common, especially in situations where your body has a higher need. Let's take a look at those situations.
- When exercising intensively
Athletes often have a greater need for magnesium. During intense exercise, your muscles use extra energy, and more magnesium is consumed in the process. Magnesium helps to support your muscles during or after physical exertion. When you sweat a lot, you also lose extra magnesium, so supplementation with magnesium, such as Magnesium Malate, can be helpful for optimal recovery.
- For the elderly
As we age, the body's ability to absorb magnesium decreases. At the same time, the elderly often have an increased need for magnesium because of age-related changes in bone density and muscle mass. Magnesium helps keep muscles strong and contributes to bone health. It is therefore important for the elderly to pay extra attention to their magnesium intake, possibly supplemented with a magnesium supplement to meet daily requirements.
- During prolonged stress
Prolonged stress can significantly deplete the magnesium supply in your body. When you are under stress, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases the need for magnesium. Magnesium supports the nervous system and helps your body relax, which can reduce the effect of stress. During stressful periods, a magnesium supplement, such as Magnesium Bisglycinate, helps to support your nervous system and maintain good mental balance.
- For digestive problems
If you suffer from digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (PDS), magnesium absorption may be impaired. This is because magnesium is absorbed in the intestines, and if intestinal function is impaired, this can lead to deficiencies. In such cases, taking a magnesium supplement help meet daily requirements and improve your overall well-being.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your body needs additional nutrients, including magnesium. During breastfeeding, magnesium is passed to the baby through breast milk, increasing the mother's need. Taking extra magnesium during this period can help keep both the mother and baby healthy.
- If you spend a lot of time in the sun
Magnesium and vitamin D are closely linked: magnesium is needed for the absorption of vitamin D in the body. When you spend a lot of time in the sun, your skin makes more vitamin D, which also increases your magnesium requirement. Without enough magnesium, your body cannot properly utilize vitamin D. Especially in the warmer months or during vacations to the sun, it is wise to watch your magnesium intake.
Summary
Magnesium is an important mineral that our bodies need for numerous functions. Although everyone needs magnesium every day, there are times when the need for this mineral increases, such as during intense exercise, prolonged stress, digestive problems, old age, exposure to lots of sunlight, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In these cases, a magnesium supplement can be a valuable addition to your daily diet to best support your body.
When choosing a magnesium supplement, it is important to consider your individual needs and any health issues. Are you unsure which magnesium is right for you? Then ask for personal supplement advice from one of our therapists.