Magnesium is vital for your body to function properly. Adult males need between 270 and 400 milligrams, or mg, per day and females of the same age group should get between 280 and 300 mg daily. Magnesium helps your body get the nutrients it needs, promotes healthy blood sugar levels and enables your body to stay satisfied after eating a meal. Each of these factors plays a vital role in how effective magnesium is at aiding with weight loss.
Satisfaction
When you choose foods or vitamin supplements that are rich in magnesium, you may have a better chance of becoming satisfied after a meal because your body is better able to use the vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and other nutrients. This is because magnesium activates enzymes in your body that help you to get the maximum nutrients out of the foods that you eat. Being able to stop eating when you feel full is one way that magnesium may aid in weight loss.
Blood Sugar Regulator
Another way that magnesium may help encourage weight loss is by helping your body to regulate blood sugar levels. When your magnesium stores are too low, often times your blood sugar rises. Having high blood sugar is dangerous because it can put you at risk of developing diabetes. It is also harmful because a rise in blood sugar means that your body abundantly stores fat. When you have the proper amount of magnesium, the glucose in your blood can be used for energy as well.
Stress Control
Stress plays a big role in your likelihood of becoming obese. When you are stressed, the level of cortisol increases. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cortisol may be linked to higher instances of abdominal fat. Magnesium regulates this hormone by assisting with adrenal gland function. When you have enough magnesium in your body, it reduces your cravings for fatty foods and regulates stress levels.
Side Effects and Warnings
While you need magnesium for your body to function properly, getting too much can be dangerous. Overdosing on foods that contain magnesium is rare, but those who consume supplements that exceed the daily recommended amount may experience nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and confusion. Ask your doctor before using any vitamins or supplements that contain magnesium, and advise your physician of any medications you are taking.
Member Comments