Why Is Magnesium An Important Weight Loss Supplement?
It is at times asked why the mineral magnesium is an important weight loss supplement, particularly for dieters looking to get in shape and improve their health overall.
When people talk about magnesium supplements, the first thing that comes to mind is preventing muscle cramps for athletes.
Most of us think that that is the only role of magnesium, where in fact it is one of the most important minerals in our bodies for many thousands of functions that occur every day of our lives.
This mineral is also responsible for the correct functioning of the many processes that are involved with metabolism and, by association, weight maintenance. There is more to losing weight than just eating a convenient diet or getting some exercise.
Let's look at this mineral more closely. In our cells there is a constant transportation of different minerals outside and in the cell where they have many roles including gene and receptor activation.
Magnesium Deficiency
Nearly 9 out of 10 people are deficient in magnesium these days. This is generally because of a poor diet and also because many people have problems absorbing the nutrients in their food properly.
This can all typically be caused by stress which increases cortisol production. This, in turn reduces the amount of stomach acid we produce
Also, the fact is that people need specific minerals to control their cortisol levels. That is where magnesium comes into play.
Affecting Cortisol Levels
When you supplement with a high quality chelated magnesium supplement your cortisol levels drop almost immediately, and being deficient in magnesium will cause your cortisol levels to be elevated constantly.
Cortisol is a hormone which is needed during stressful times in short bursts during the day, but when it is constantly elevated, it has been shown to make you fat. This is one of the ways that magnesium can be a weight loss pill that actually works, and actually be very cost effective.
Affecting Body Weight
This isn't the only reason why having enough minerals in your body will help you lose weight.
Being deficient in something as important as magnesium will also cause your cells to eventually become insulin resistant. It has been shown in studies that when someone with a magnesium deficiency is supplemented with a good source of magnesium, their insulin resistance decreases and they actually become more insulin sensitive.
This means your blood glucose will not be elevated so long after a meal, which will in turn result in less fat gained from each meal. When the sugar is quickly transported where it is needed, mainly to the brain, the muscles and the liver, the adipose tissue doesn't have the luxury of filling itself with triglycerides.
Depleting Minerals
A deficiency is more likely to occur with athletes who deplete their stores for almost any mineral through sweating and a higher metabolic rate. They simply use more minerals because they are more active.
For someone who is trying to lose weight through eating a balanced diet and getting daily exercise, this might also be real concern as we are usually limiting our food and increasing our activity as we want to get rid of some extra fat.
You should always consult a doctor before using any supplement. However, you might want to get your red blood cell magnesium levels measured just in case you might be deficient and could, in turn, benefit from using a magnesium supplement.
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