You may already know of the many benefits of magnesium for migraine sufferers which is why we include two forms of magnesium (citrate and oxide) in MigreLief products.
Magnesium has numerous effects that support cerebrovascular tone and function including the following mechanisms of action:
- Inhibition of platelet aggregation
- Interference with synthesis, release, and action of inflammatory mediators
- Direct alterations of cerebrovascular tone
- Inhibition of vasospasm (the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the brain)
- Stabilization of cell membranes
But are you aware of magnesium’s other amazing health-protecting benefits?
For example, the Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that people who eat foods rich in magnesium reduce their risk of stroke caused by blood clots in the brain (referred to as ischemic stroke) by 9% for each 100 mg. increase in their daily magnesium intake and by 8% per 100 mg. of magnesium for all other kinds of strokes. (An extra 400 mg. per day of magnesium in addition to the other health benefits listed below, will reduce your risk of stroke due to a blood clot in the brain by 36 %.)
Other very important health reasons you need to consume enough magnesium on a daily basis are:
• Helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels
• Helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels
• Helps to prevent heart attacks
• Helps keep the heart beating regularly
• The citrate form along with potassium helps to prevent kidney stones
• Helps with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Reduces risk of heart pains (angina)
• Helps prevent spasms of breathing pathway in asthma
• Helps protect the bones against osteoporosis (might be more important than calcium)
• Helps to prevent the symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
• Helps to reduce urinary urgency in women
• Helps to reduce or eliminate leg cramps
• Helps to prevent constipation
Daily intake of magnesium should be about 800 mg. per day from all sources. Good sources of magnesium are:
• Bran (rice, wheat, and oat) – ½ cup contains about 460 mg.
• Dark chocolate – 2 ounces contain 200 mg.
• Nuts – i.e. almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, walnuts approximately 200 mg. in 2 ounces
• Sunflower seeds – 200 mg. in 2 ounces
• Edamame – (cooked soybeans) – 225 mg. in 2 ounces
sunflower seeds
So for those of you using MigreLief daily which contains 360 mg of magnesium daily, know that you are getting these important health benefits as well.
I hope this article convinces you to pay attention to your daily intake of magnesium. It is an excellent investment in both your short and long-term health.
To the Best of Health,
Curt Hendrix M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S.
RECOMMENDED READING: MAGNESIUM FOR MIGRAINES – IS IT ENOUGH?
