Did you know magnesium is a cofactor for more than 300 enzyme-based reactions in the human body?
Still, studies reveal that over 50% of women of reproductive age don’t consume enough magnesium-rich foods to meet their daily requirements.
Food sources of magnesium are greatly influenced by the richness in the soil. The more depleted the soil is of magnesium, the more the food source lacks the mineral.
During pregnancy, this mineral is required in large quantities by the mother’s body to support her health.
The requirement prenatally relates to a 30% rise in magnesium intake during pregnancy so as to aid the mother’s body.
Adequate magnesium levels and subsequent supplementation can help alleviate common pregnancy related symptoms for the mother such as
Morning Sickness – Magnesium helps relax & calm the overactive gag reflux. It stabilizes sugar levels, therefore reducing the chances of vomiting.
Edema / Water Retention: Soaking in Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) or ingesting magnesium can help reduce inflammation.
Constipation: Magnesium helps draw water into the intestines to aid digestion.
Low Back Pain: Magnesium alleviates inflammation; hence it is beneficial for sore muscles and aches.
Leg Cramping: Magnesium helps regulate circulation once inflammation reduces
Gestational Hypertension: Magnesium deficits results in an imbalance of the sodium-potassium ratio. Supplementation helps balance the same.
Magnesium is also said to benefit the baby by helping in bone health and DNA synthesis.
Natural Food sources of Magnesium include:
- Oats
- Spinach
- Seeds: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds
- Brazilian Nuts
- Black-eyed peas
If you have questions that you would like answered, please write to us at [email protected] or talk to us in the comments below. We will get an expert to address them.
Dr Payal Chaudhury
KSP Team
Mansi Zaveri
Kanishka Pariani
Parul Gupta
Kanishka Pariani
