• Published on: Mar 26, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Magnesium: Health Benefits, Deficiency, Sources, And Risks

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Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human health. Some of the key roles it plays in the body include:

- Acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, protein synthesis, and nerve function

- Helping to regulate blood pressure levels

- Supporting bone health

- Aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels

Magnesium deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, including muscle cramps and spasms, hypertension, headaches, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome. Luckily, magnesium deficiency is relatively common and can be easily corrected by increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods or taking a magnesium supplement.

Magnesium is a mineral found in several foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dairy products. magnesium plays an important role in many biochemical reactions and helps regulate blood sugar levels, nerve function, muscle control, and energy production. A magnesium deficiency can lead to a wide variety of health problems including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, migraine headaches, muscle cramps and weakness, chest pain, and digestive problems. Athletes are at risk for magnesium deficiency because they lose the mineral through sweat.

Good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli; nuts such as almonds and cashews; seeds such as pumpkin and sesame; whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many processes in the body. It is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, including those that produce energy and regulate blood sugar levels. Magnesium is also needed for the formation of bones and teeth, and it helps keep them strong.

Some people might not get enough magnesium from their diets, which can lead to magnesium deficiency. Signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, tremors, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and heart problems. People who have diabetes or kidney disease are at risk for magnesium deficiency because they are unable to absorb the mineral from food normally. Good sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, and fish.

Magnesium is essential for human health and plays a role in more than 300 enzymatic processes in the body. It's involved in energy production, protein synthesis, and muscle relaxation. Magnesium also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, build strong bones, and regulate nerve function.

Most people don't get enough magnesium from their diet alone, which can lead to magnesium deficiency. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, headaches, muscle cramps and twitching, sleeplessness, and heart problems. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important for many functions of the body, including bone and muscle health, energy production, and nerve function.

A magnesium deficiency can cause a wide variety of health problems, including muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, and anxiety. Some people may also be at risk for magnesium deficiency if they do not eat enough magnesium-rich foods or if they have certain medical conditions that affect their absorption of magnesium.

Magnesium is essential for human health and plays a role in over 600 biochemical reactions in the body. It is involved in energy production, nerve function, muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a wide range of health problems including migraines, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and insulin resistance.

Good sources of magnesium include green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, nuts such as almonds and cashews, seeds such as pumpkin and chia seeds, legumes such as black beans and lentils, whole grains such as quinoa and amaranth, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, avocados, dark chocolate, and cacao powder. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many of the body's functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure control, and energy production. Magnesium deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, including arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), seizures, migraines, anxiety, and more.

Some good food sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, legumes (beans and peas), nuts, seeds, and whole grains. However, many people don't get enough magnesium from their diets. This may be due to factors such as eating processed foods instead of whole foods or not eating enough magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium is an essential mineral that has a wide range of health benefits. It's involved in over 600 metabolic processes, including energy production, protein synthesis, and bone formation. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports a healthy immune system, and promotes cardiovascular health.

A lack of magnesium can cause a variety of health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps and spasms, restless legs syndrome, and constipation. Low magnesium levels are also associated with an increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many functions of the body, including regulating blood pressure, synthesizing DNA and proteins, and activating enzymes. Magnesium deficiency can lead to health problems such as anxiety, osteoporosis, heart disease, and migraines. Some good food sources of magnesium include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and dairy products. However, due to modern farming practices that deplete the soil with minerals like magnesium, many people are not getting enough magnesium from their diet.

People can also take magnesium supplements to help ensure they are getting enough of this nutrient. But it's important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements because too much magnesium can be harmful.

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human health. It plays a role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to keep the bones strong and the immune system functioning properly. A magnesium deficiency can cause a wide range of health problems, including headaches, muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Low levels of magnesium have also been linked with anxiety and depression.

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Air pollution

Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health: Risks, Effects and Prevention

Air pollution has become one of the most serious public health challenges worldwide. In India, rapid urbanisation, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and seasonal factors contribute to high pollution levels, especially in metropolitan cities. Understanding the impact of air pollution on human health is essential because exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of chronic illness and premature death.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths globally each year. Studies published in The Lancet highlight India as one of the countries most affected by air quality-related health burdens.

 

What Is Air Pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as:

  • particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

  • nitrogen dioxide

  • sulfur dioxide

  • ozone

  • carbon monoxide

accumulate in the atmosphere at unsafe levels.

Among these, PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

 

Respiratory Health Effects

The most immediate and visible impact of air pollution is on the lungs.

Short-Term Effects

  • coughing

  • throat irritation

  • wheezing

  • shortness of breath

Long-Term Effects

  • chronic bronchitis

  • asthma worsening

  • reduced lung capacity

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Air pollution does not only affect the lungs. Fine particles enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Long-term exposure increases risk of:

  • hypertension

  • heart attack

  • stroke

  • atherosclerosis

ICMR reports show cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in India, with pollution being a significant contributing factor.

 

Impact on Immune System

Constant exposure to polluted air weakens the immune response.

This leads to:

  • frequent respiratory infections

  • slower recovery from illness

  • increased susceptibility to viral diseases

Pollution also increases systemic inflammation.

 

Effect on Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable because:

  • their lungs are still developing

  • they breathe more air relative to body weight

  • they spend time outdoors

Long-term exposure may reduce lung growth and increase asthma risk.

 

Impact on Pregnant Women and Infants

Research published in Lancet indicates that high pollution exposure during pregnancy increases risk of:

  • low birth weight

  • premature birth

  • developmental complications

Protecting pregnant women from pollution exposure is critical.

 

Air Pollution and Cancer Risk

Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer.

WHO classifies outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen.

 

Mental Health and Cognitive Impact

Emerging research suggests pollution may contribute to:

  • cognitive decline

  • mood disorders

  • reduced concentration

Clean air supports brain health.

 

Seasonal Pollution in India

During winter months, many cities experience severe smog due to:

  • crop burning

  • temperature inversion

  • increased emissions

Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) helps individuals take precautions.

 

Signs of Pollution-Related Health Impact

  • persistent cough

  • chest tightness

  • eye irritation

  • unusual fatigue

  • worsening asthma

Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult healthcare providers.

 

Preventive Measures to Reduce Exposure

Monitor AQI

Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days.

 

Use Protective Masks

N95 masks filter fine particles effectively.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Use air purifiers and keep windows closed during peak pollution.

 

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Limit time near busy roads.

 

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

Strong immunity helps reduce pollution-related health risks.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Regular screening for:

  • lung function

  • blood pressure

  • heart health

helps detect early damage caused by pollution.

Urban populations should prioritise routine health checkups.

 

Long-Term Public Health Impact

Air pollution contributes significantly to:

  • healthcare burden

  • productivity loss

  • economic strain

Preventive awareness and environmental policies are essential.

 

Conclusion

The impact of air pollution on human health is profound and far-reaching. From respiratory disorders and heart disease to immune suppression and increased cancer risk, polluted air affects nearly every organ system. In India’s urban environment, proactive measures such as monitoring AQI, using protective masks and maintaining regular health screenings are crucial. Protecting oneself from air pollution is not just about comfort—it is a vital step in preserving long-term health and preventing chronic disease.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Air Pollution and Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Environmental Health Studies
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory and Cardiovascular Data
  • NITI Aayog – Environmental and Preventive Health Strategy Reports
  • Lancet – Global Burden of Disease and Air Pollution Research

See all

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