Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Involved in over 300 metabolic reactions, it serves to guarantee the activity of hormones, muscle contraction, the release of neurotransmitters and the functioning of neurons, the heart and blood vessels; also the activity of the Atp (the energy used by the cells) depends on the magnesium.
A varied diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, helps to meet daily needs. In some cases, however, it may be useful to take an extra dose.
Fill up with magnesium: what to eat
The general principle that allows us to supply the body with all the minerals it needs, including magnesium, is, as mentioned, to guarantee a diet as varied as possible .
Fruit and, above all, vegetables make a fundamental contribution. The vegetables that are richer are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach; even broccoli is a good source of this mineral.
Among the fruits, on the other hand, the best sources of magnesium include prunes, bananas, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and red currants, avocado, prickly pears, raisins, dates and dried figs, mango, passion fruit and pineapple.
But there are also other excellent sources of magnesium, which can also be taken in good quantities through legumes, whole grains and fish.
Magnesium as a supplement
The reasons for taking magnesium as a supplement can be very different.
For example , magnesium can be used as a laxative . How to take it? In hot water, to make it dissolve better and facilitate absorption.
In other cases, however, magnesium can be used as an antacid; there are also those who propose it against migraine, but this type of use is less widespread.
On the other hand, it is quite common to hear about the integration of magnesium in pregnancy .
Why take magnesium in pregnancy
Taking magnesium in pregnancy can be important not only to satisfy the needs of mum and baby, but also to control uterine contractions .
Precisely for this reason it is also used when it is necessary to try to stop a pre-term birth .
Furthermore, it is useful in the case of eclampsia (a serious disorder associated with the presence of convulsions) and severe forms of pre-eclampsia (a condition preceding eclampsia characterized by hypertension and other typical symptoms).
The other benefits of magnesium
In addition to the reasons listed above, extra doses of magnesium could be useful in the presence of some forms of arrhythmia and severe asthma attacks.
However, both in these cases and during a pregnancy it is advisable not to rely on DIY but on the advice of your doctor, who will be able to assess the real need to take supplements or to use other forms of magnesium administration, the presence of any contraindications (such as kidney problems or neuromuscular diseases) and safe intake doses.
