Over 600 reactions that take place in the body involve magnesium. It's a co-factor, or "helper" molecule in many of these reactions.
Magnesium plays an essential role in nerve transmission in the body. Low levels of magnesium in the body can increase stress.
Magnesium supports muscle function and helps muscle tissue to relax. Magnesium helps to dispose of lactate from the muscles and moves blood sugar in, for better muscle recovery after exercise.
Magnesium helps manage hormone levels, including cortisol (the stress hormone). Studies have shown it's a beneficial mineral for women, as magnesium levels fluctuate throughout their cycle.
People with low magnesium tend to have elevated inflammation markers. Excess inflammation in the body has been linked to a number of diseases and chronic health conditions.
Stress can cause magnesium loss through a process of urinary extraction. This loss of magnesium heightens anxiety to create even more stress.
Magnesium might not be properly absorbed in the small intestine with Crohn's disease present. Kidney problems might cause more magnesium to be lost from the body via urine.