Magnesium for pain conditions?

Ensuring the right mineral balance in the body is crucial.  One of the minerals that helps to stay pain free is magnesium.  About half of the body’s magnesium is found in the soft tissue and muscle cells.  The remainder is found in the bone.  It is involved in over 300 functions of the body such as carbohydrate metabolism, nerve and muscle health, energy production, muscle relaxation, protein synthesis, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, etc.  Having issues with digestion may reduce your absorption of magnesium as it takes place in the small intestine.  While ensuring that you get enough of it daily, it is equally if not more important to fix any digestive issues that you may have at the same time.

Another big reason to ensure that you get enough magnesium daily is because it promotes proper calcium absorption.  Calcitonin is a hormone that increases calcium in the bones and keeps it out of soft tissues such as joints.  Magnesium stimulates calcitonin production, which increases calcium in the bones while pulling it out of soft tissues.

How to get enough magnesium? Whole foods sources are always best.  Try adding dried seaweed, beans, whole grains, nuts & seeds, dark leafy greens to your diet.  If you feel that you do not get enough, supplementing it might not be a bad idea.  Women need about 300mg a day, while men need about 400mg a day.   Magnesium citrate is best for those who are prone to constipation as it has laxative effects.  Magnesium lactate is best tolerated by those that may have a sensitive digestive system.  Magnesium glycinate is by far beset for sleep and inflammatory conditions.

How do you know if you are low on magnesium?  Some of the signs and symptoms:  tense muscles, constipation, high blood pressure, twitching muscles, charley horse, osteoporosis, fatigue & muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.  Always check with your healthcare practitioner before starting a new regimen.