Magnesium e potassium: maybe we know them only for the YouTube's ADS, but click on them, of supplements, we have seen the names and acronyms on colorful packaging, in pharmacies or supermarkets.
They are not one commercial gimmick but two fundamental minerals for our health, which we must provide to our body every day through a healthy diet and - only in extraordinary cases, on the advice of a doctor - through Dietary Supplements.
Let's see together what they do in our body.
Magnesium and potassium: what benefits
These are the two most abundant minerals inside our cells, closely related to each other: the passage of potassium in and out of the cells is guaranteed by a mechanism (ion pump) which works thanks to sodium and magnesium.
Il magnesium it is important for the production of cellular energy, enzymatic activities, the transmission of nerve impulses; regulates the metabolism of other minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin C.
Beneficial effects of magnesium:
- regulates the concentration of sugar in the blood by stimulating the production of insulin
- reduces the pressure arterial, causing blood vessels to dilate
- improves'cardiocirculatory activity, supporting the activity of the heart and reducing the likelihood of atherosclerotic plaque formation
- improves'irritability, the disorders of the sonno mental fatigue, as it regulates brain activity
- relieves i crampi, acting on muscle contractility
Il potassium and the more important mineral in the human body, also called "heart mineral". It intervenes in the transmission of muscular and nerve impulses; its concentration in the blood is an indicator for cardiac arrhythmias.
Beneficial effects of potassium:
- improves situations arrhythmia, regulating cardiac activity
- regularizes the blood pressure
- regulates the production of energy in the body, intervening in the metabolism of nutrients
- reduces the danger of atherosclerosis, decreasing the formation of blood clots and plaques on the arteries
- decreases the sensation of fatigue and cramps muscle
- improves themood
According to the latest research, magnesium and potassium salts could decrease the risk of kidney stones.
Magnesium and potassium: what contraindications
An in-depth proper nutrition and balanced, rich in whole grains, fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, water and vegetable proteins, it protects us from the danger of magnesium or potassium deficiency.
However in some situations (excessive sweating, cramps, stress ...) it may be necessary to use supplements. In this case you need to know the contraindications he side effects due to incorrect dosage.
As with all supplements or over-the-counter drugs, it is recommended to use it after consultation with your own medical health insurance. In fact, the contraindications can be severe.
If the magnesium it is contraindicated in renal insufficiency, for the potassium there are major restrictions; unless otherwise indicated by the doctor, Massive potassium supplements are not recommended in case of: mineral retention; low blood levels of sodium, calcium, chlorine; renal and hepatic insufficiency; slowing of gastrointestinal transit.
Effetti collaterali
In the case of magnesium overdose side effects will be mild: nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mental confusion. By introducing supplements of magnesium only, an excessive dosage could cause imbalances in the body's concentrations of calcium and potassium.
In the case of potassium, overdose it may cause nausea, stomach pains and diarrhea, or in more serious situations, muscle weakness, changes in the heartbeat.
For the irritable bowel, supplementing the diet with potassium and magnesium may be helpful
