Magnesium has proven its worth by helping people achieve better sleep, relieve PMS, thwart leg cramps and avoid those miserable migraine headaches. But for weight-loss seekers, could magnesium be an effective strategy for shedding weight? If you want to lose weight, you're not the only one. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that about 49% of American adults attempted weight loss within a 12-month span. It's possible to lose weight in multiple ways, some safer than others. Here's what a dietitian says about magnesium, weight loss and strategies to support your best efforts.
What Is Magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral that's found throughout the body (mainly in the bones) and naturally occurs in many foods, from tofu to dark chocolate. According to the National Institutes of Health, magnesium works with over 300 different enzymes in the body to carry out vital functions such as protein production, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, nerve function and blood glucose control. Along with sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chloride and calcium, magnesium belongs to the electrolyte family. Electrolytes are crucial to good health since they transport nutrients into your cells, enabling functions like heartbeats, nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction. On top of that, electrolytes help regulate fluid balance so your body has the right amount of water and minerals at all times.
