Magnesium For Joint Pain - Always Talk To Your Doctor Before Taking Supplements

If you frequently experience painful joints, and you have been searching for advice on the internet, you may well have read that one can take magnesium for joint pain. While this is to a great extent true, it is not always a viable option for everyone.

Interestingly enough, it is thought that most people do not get the optimal amount of magnesium via their diets, but at the same time, genuine magnesium deficiency is actually quite rare. Another interesting point is that when this mineral is obtained naturally through one's diet, there seem to be no upper limits, but if it is obtained by means of supplements, there is an upper limit, which if exceeded, can lead to several problems.

In a nutshell, you should never begin taking magnesium supplements without discussing it with a doctor first. Exceeding the upper tolerance level can cause diarrhea, low blood pressure, nausea, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat. Ironically, it can also cause a calcium deficiency, and of course we all know how important calcium is when it comes to one's bones.

Calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, and unfortunately, calcium is just no match. Essentially this means that if you do start taking supplements, you could find yourself requiring calcium supplements as well. In summary, you should only take magnesium for joint pain if a doctor recommends it, or at least, has given his or her approval.

There are several foods which are rich in the mineral, so if you feel you need more than you are currently getting, rather adjust your diet. There are also a number of other supplements on the market which are said to relieve joint pain. Some people find garlic capsules help, while some prefer taking fish oil supplements. Personally, I would recommend fish oil supplements over garlic supplements, simply because fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

New Zealand green lipped mussel extract has also grown to be immensely popular amongst people suffering with painful joints. As with fish oil, green lipped mussel extract is a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which means it benefits both your joints and your cardiovascular system. Another good thing about mussel extract is that it is also a good source of calcium.

If you do decide to start taking one or more supplement, you should always make a point of choosing a supplier carefully. Many supplement manufacturers use the cheapest ingredients they can find in order to make the highest possible amount of profit, and these are definitely not the sort of supplements you want to be taking.