What do magnesium and weight loss share in common? While diets are often associated with avoiding foods high in fat and reducing your caloric intake, minerals also play a vital role. One crucial chemical comes in the form of magnesium. Why should you consider magnesium for weight loss? Are there specific formulations that function better than others? How might low levels of magnesium impact your overall health? These and similar questions will be addressed throughout this article.
What Functions Does Magnesium Perform in the Body?
Magnesium is actually responsible for a host of vital metabolic processes. While only required in relatively small doses, the fact of the matter is that we would eventually die without its presence. These functions are directly associated with magnesium:
- Protein synthesis.
- Glucose regulation.
- Blood pressure.
- Muscle and nerve function.
- The synthesis (creation) of RNA and DNA.
In terms of weight loss, magnesium can also help to boost the metabolism and to reduce levels of inflammation associated with specific hormones such as cortisol.
Signs That You May Require Magnesium Supplementation
While the body will only require approximately 25 grams of magnesium in order to perform the activities mentioned above, there can still be instances when not enough is present. Here are ten potential signals that supplementation may be required:
- Atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries).
Anxiety. - Unexplained muscle cramps.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- High blood pressure.
- Discomfort during pregnancy.
- Constant lethargy.
- Osteoporosis in older individuals.
- Difficulty falling or remaining asleep.
- Skin problems.
Thankfully, magnesium is present within many foods. Some of the most potent sources of this mineral include spinach, cashews, dark chocolate, and bananas.
What is the Best Magnesium Supplement for Weight Loss?
Let us now assume that you choose to instead take a daily magnesium supplement. Over time, you will experience several noticeable benefits. These include decreased concentrations of blood sugar, the ability to manage high blood pressure (hypertension), increased energy levels, and better sleep. In other words, it is possible to reverse many of the effects outlined in the previous section.
The Advantages of Increasing Your Magnesium Intake in Relation to Weight Loss
While the advantages of magnesium have become clear, one issue involves a concept known as bioavailability. Like many minerals, the body may find it difficult to absorb the amount of magnesium required to make a difference. Iron and zinc are two additional examples.
This is the reason why magnesium is often combined with other natural chemicals in order to increase its bioavailability. Chromium and magnesium for weight loss (within a single supplement) is one option at your disposal. Magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate are additional possibilities. Of course, it is just as logical to consume foods that are relatively high in magnesium in order to boost the overall effects.
More than Magnesium Alone
We should nonetheless mention that magnesium alone will not lead to significant changes in your body mass index (BMI). This mineral is only a single component of a much larger picture. There are other ways in which you can naturally boost your metabolism in order to melt away excess fat. For example, a magnesium turmeric ginger weight loss combination could provide your body with a much-needed metabolic boost. This is due to the thermogenic (calorie-burning) properties of the herbs themselves.
Restricting your caloric intake is yet another practical strategy to adopt. The simple fact is that any excess calories that are consumed tend to be stored as fat; particularly around the midsection. Cutting back on complex carbohydrates and avoiding foods high in sugar is therefore just as important as obtaining the recommended daily requirements of magnesium.
Modern Technology for a Much-Needed Edge
Unfortunately, some individuals will still find it difficult to meet their weight loss targets; even though they may be obtaining the required amount of magnesium. This is why other methods such as using an adjustable Spatz3 gastric balloon are entirely realistic. You can reduce the number of calories consumed at any given time, reduce pesky hunger cravings and still enjoy your favourite healthy foods.
The relationship between magnesium and weight loss is important to appreciate and with the appropriate lifestyle changes, there is little doubt that benefits will soon follow.
