How Much Magnesium is Too Much Magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral component for our bodies. Not only does it assist with easing chronic pain in the body, it also provides protection for the body against many diseases which are associated with stress and aging. Those suffering from hypertension,, depression,, diabetes or osteoporosis can also benefit from adding a good quality magnesium supplement to their diet.

Topical Magnesium Treatments

Magnesium is available in topical as well as oral supplement form. Topical forms of magnesium are applied to the skin and the magnesium is then absorbed into the body through the skin through a process known as dermal absorption. In this way, the magnesium makes its way into the lymph nodes and the bloodstream where it can bring health benefits to the body.

Topical magnesium is available as lotion, gel, oil or bath salts which are ideal for relaxing massages or a hot bath. An important benefit of topical magnesium treatments is that they can be used without the patient suffering from diarrhea or other gastrointestinal complaints which are often reported with the use of oral magnesium supplements.

One of the best ways to make use of a topical magnesium supplement is to massage it into the skin. By using the topical magnesium as a massage treatment, you will not only be giving your body the magnesium that it desperately needs, but you will also be giving your stressed and tense muscles the relaxing massaging treatment that they deserve. Massage itself has many additional health benefits including improved circulation, digestion and blood flow.

Oral Magnesium Supplements

Oral magnesium supplements are available from almost any pharmacy, health store or supermarket. When choosing a magnesium supplement, it is important to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth. Many of the cheaper oral magnesium supplements found on supermarket shelves contain cheap filler ingredients such as magnesium stearate or titanium dioxide. This makes it always important to check the labels of these supplements carefully before consuming them.

A good oral magnesium supplement will provide between 150 mg and 400 mg of magnesium per dose.

Oral magnesium supplements are available in tablet, capsule or chewable tablets for children. Magnesium supplements are best taken with a meal so that they are more readily absorbed into the body. Many patients have found that taking their magnesium supplements before going to bed helps them to sleep more peacefully.

Others report that they can be useful in assisting children who suffer from ADD or other concentration-related disorders, so it may be best to give children who suffer from attention-deficit disorder, their magnesium supplements with breakfast before going to school. The patient should experiment in order to determine what works best for them regarding the time of day that they take their magnesium.

Determining the Correct Dosage of Magnesium

Initially it was thought that adults needed between 100 and 150 mg of magnesium per day in order for the body to function optimally. However, new research has shown that up to 75% of the world’s population is in fact severely deficient in this essential mineral.

It is now suggested that adults take between 150 mg and 400 mg a day in order to achieve the optimum health benefits. Women who suffer from severe cramps during menstruation should ensure that they increase their daily dose to around the 400 mg mark the week before the start of menstruation and around 550 mg during menstruation. Those who suffer from migraines will also benefit from using higher doses of magnesium.

Symptoms of an Overdose of Magnesium

Although it is possible to overdose on magnesium supplements, it is a very rare occurrence given the fact that so many people are deficient in this essential mineral.

Side effects of a magnesium overdose can include nausea and diarrhea. In severe cases of overdose, the patient can experience dizziness, slow heartbeat, fainting and respiratory problems. If a patient suspects that they may have overdosed on magnesium, it is important for them to avoid foods which contain magnesium, such as beans, leafy green vegetables and whole grains. If the symptoms persist, it is important for the patient to contact their doctor immediately.

Because magnesium plays such an important part in maintaining a healthy body and mind, it is essential to ensure that a good quality supplement containing it is taken on a daily basis. If the patient is using any other medications or supplements, it is highly recommended that they consult with their doctor or healthcare practitioner to ensure that none of these will interact with the magnesium supplement.