Pain is your body's way of telling you that there is some underlying problem. Sometimes pain can be due to problems with your muscles, and other times it can be triggered by your nerves alone. Magnesium supplements may be useful in easing both muscle and nerve pain, though you should talk to your doctor before taking any kind of mineral supplement.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. Approximately half of the magnesium in your body is stored in your bones. The remaining half circulates in your blood and tissues. One source of dietary magnesium is green leafy vegetables, because chlorophyll contains magnesium. Whole grains are also good sources of magnesium because the bran and germ of the grain are magnesium rich. Some legumes, nuts and seeds also contain significant amounts of magnesium.
Magnesium and Muscle Pain
Magnesium supplements can potentially be used to relieve muscle-based pains; magnesium is very important for function of your muscles. Magnesium helps regulate muscle contraction and relaxation. If you do not have enough magnesium in your body, your muscles can become sore and weak, and twitch. Severe magnesium deficiency can make it hard for your muscles to relax, causing pain. Magnesium supplements can relieve this pain.
Magnesium and Nerve Pain
Magnesium may also be able to relieve pain from nerve dysfunction. Nerve irritation or inflammation can cause significant pain that can be difficult to alleviate. In 2010, "The Journal of Physiology" published results of a study examining effects of magnesium on rats. The study, designed to serve as a model for diabetic neuropathic pain, found that magnesium blocked some signs of neuropathy, suggesting that magnesium supplements could be useful in treating nerve-based pain in humans.
Considerations
Although magnesium supplements may help relieve some kinds of pain, there is no research as to whether magnesium supplements can be an effective pain reliever. The benefits of magnesium supplements may be more prominent if you have a magnesium deficiency. Large doses of magnesium can cause side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Magnesium supplements can also be dangerous if you have kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
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