There may not be a single magic pill, shake or over-the-counter solution to solve your weight woes instantly, but there is something you can do to improve your results. Get more magnesium. It sounds too good to be true, but the jury is in, and it seems like magnesium deficiency may be at the very heart of our nation's weight and obesity issues. Read on to find out how this essential mineral can be your best friend when it comes to losing all the weight fast.
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Magnesium plays a huge role in your body's ability to digest, absorb and even use the foods you eat. That includes fats, proteins, carbs, vitamins, minerals and more. Without proper amounts of magnesium, your body begins to lack these important nutrients, and you can experience health problems like anxiety, hypoglycemia and, you got it, obesity.
Additionally, magnesium is necessary for energy production. It helps produce the chemical reactions that allow glucose to enter your cells and turn glucose into energy. If this reaction is off or delayed, it causes both your insulin and your glucose levels to spike, and soon enough, that glucose will get stored as fat and lead to weight gain.
Getting more magnesium in your diet can help combat the factors that contribute to obesity. It can improve your body's ability to absorb and utilize important nutrients and minerals, and it can ensure your glucose and insulin levels remain stable. More than this, according to a recent study in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, increased magnesium intake can lead to more free-roaming testosterone in the body. This hormone is known to improve muscle mass and lower body fat levels in both genders.
Plus, since magnesium helps improve your body's ability to make protein, this makes muscle development even easier, and the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate will become (meaning more calories burned!).
Magnesium can also help you rest easier and distress (a big contributor to weight gain), and it can ensure your body is producing energy properly. Remember, if your energy is up, you'll be able to work out longer, stay active and keep burning those calories all day long.
The best way to get magnesium is through natural, whole foods. Green vegetables are usually the best source, with spinach and seeds like pumpkin and squash seeds coming in as the most magnesium-rich choices around. Seeds, nuts, and carbs, like brown rice, beans and lentils, are good choices as well. You can also choose to take a daily magnesium supplement, though it's best to discuss this with your doctor before doing so. You'll want to make sure it doesn't interact with any other conditions you may be battling. The recommended dosage of magnesium for the average adult is about 320 mg a day.
Are you sure you're getting enough magnesium in your diet? If not, it may be time to start working more magnesium-rich foods into your weekly menus. It can be a great way to kick-start your weight loss goals, and it can improve your overall health to boot.
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