Magnesium plays a major role in the functioning of the organs present in the human body. It helps in maintaining nerve and muscle functions, strengthens the immune system, bones and maintains a steady heart rate.
Magnesium content in the bones alone constitute to about fifty percent of the total magnesium present in the body. The other half is present inside the cells of organs, body tissues and the blood contains one percent of magnesium in it. Magnesium helps in the regulation of sugar levels in blood, plays a major role in protein synthesis and energy metabolism and maintains normal blood pressure. It prevents disorders like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Small intestines absorb dietary magnesium and the excretion of magnesium takes place through the kidneys. Green vegetables act as good sources since the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium in it. Some of the other sources are nuts, peas, seeds, beans and unrefined grains. Magnesium content is low in refined grains. Few signs and symptoms of the magnesium deficiency include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, appetite, numbness, abnormal heart rate, coronary spasms and personality changes. Severe deficiency results in hypocalcemia that is a condition occurring due to low levels of calcium content in blood.
Magnesium can be consumed in the form of supplements to compensate the magnesium deficiency. Regular intake of dark green leafy vegetables restores the depleted magnesium levels. Magnesium supplements may even lead to crucial side effects and so the supplements recommended by the physician could be taken to avoid complications in the body.
