Magnesium plays a part in about 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. This includes the synthesis of proteins, metabolism of foods, and the synthesis of fatty acids. Not just that, it is also beneficial in the transmission of the nerve impulse all throughout the body. As a matter of fact, the body has about 25 grams of magnesium. 50-60 percent is being stored in the skeletal system. The rest, well they are present in the bodily fluids, soft tissues, and in the muscles. Clearly, magnesium is very important for the body. How about in gout? How good is magnesium for gout? Read on to this article as this is what it is all about.
Magnesium for Gout: Truth or Hoax?
Magnesium is an alkaline mineral present in a lot of foods. Just like in green leafy vegetables like whole grains, nuts, spinach, romaine, and lettuce. Actually, magnesium executes a wide range of functions in the body. In fact, it helps in controlling the amount of calcium in the body. Also, it plays a role in controlling the muscle functions, the kidneys, and even the heart. Nonetheless, the concern of it to those who suffer from gout is that the mineral is beneficial in the better circulation of blood in the body.
Magnesium actually helps in lowering the blood pressure level thus making the heart work even more efficiently. Especially in reducing whatever strain there is. The more the blood flows smoothly in the body, the more excess uric acid the body may remove. Furthermore, this is done in the hopes of avoiding the uric acid crystallization in the body that may cause a gout flare up.
In the actual fact, magnesium is one of the most effective treatments for acute cases of gout.
Magnesium Deficiency
The condition of having a very low level of magnesium in the body is actually rare. However, it may affect the elderlies. Furthermore, it may, in fact, result to excessive consumption of alcohol, and some other complications.
If you are already experiencing some symptoms of magnesium deficiency, you may be vulnerable to the development of gout. Moreover, many people are deficient in magnesium, and they don’t even know it. Here are some of the symptoms that you may look out for that may indicate this:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loss of appetite
More radical symptoms may include:
- Changes in the heart rhythm
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling and numbness
Therefore, if you have a deficiency in magnesium, you certainly need to add some magnesium-rich foods in your diet. If not, you can take magnesium supplements to compensate. Make certain, however, that you talk to your doctor. This is since, they may produce some minor side effects that may usually vanish after a few days, just like diarrhea.
How much magnesium do you need?
Below is the recommended dietary needs of magnesium varying on the age and gender.
| AGE GROUP | MEN | WOMEN |
| 14 to 18 years old | 410 milligrams | 360 milligrams |
| 19 to 30 years old | 400 milligrams | 310 milligrams |
| Adults 31 years old and above | 420 milligrams | 320 milligrams |
| Pregnant | – | 350 to 360 milligrams |
| Breastfeeding | – | 310 to 320 milligrams |
Magnesium for Gout: Other Benefits
Apart from the benefits of magnesium for gout, here are some other benefits of the wonder mineral:
- Relieves anxiety. The reductions in the levels of magnesium may be linked to the increase in the levels of anxiety. Research shows that low-magnesium diet may change the types of bacteria that are present in the gut.
- Relieves premenstrual syndrome. Make sure of enough intake of magnesium, especially with vitamin B6 may be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome.
- Prevents migraine headaches. Studies suggest that magnesium therapy may be beneficial in relieving to preventing headaches.
- Good for the heart health. Magnesium is important for the maintenance of the muscle health, this includes the heart. As well as the transmission of various electrical signals in the body. in the actual fact, adequate intake of the mineral may be in association with a lower risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Lowers the risk for diabetes. Magnesium has a part to play in the metabolism of glucose and carbs. This is the reason why it may also impact the risk of diabetes. Furthermore, various studies have been associated with the high consumption of magnesium with the low risk of diabetes.
- Calcium absorption. Magnesium and calcium are two important minerals for the maintenance of bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Moreover, without the magnesium, high intake of the other mineral may increase the risk of various conditions.
- Good for the bone health. magnesium is very important for the bone formation. Furthermore, this also helps in the assimilation of calcium into bone and has a role in the activation of vitamin the in kidneys. An optimal consumption of magnesium may be in association with a much greater bone density, lower risk of osteoporosis, and improved bone formation.
There is no denying that magnesium really is beneficial, not just for gout, but also for the health, in general.
