What magnesium supplements can and can’t do

May 15, 2023
by RJ Hamster

This week: How to safely take magnesium supplements; what you need to know about a deadly fungus that’s spreading fast; the growing link between gum disease and arthritis; dealing with food poisoning; how your health is written on your face.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety

Articles about magnesium have been popping up everywhere thanks to a tsunami of TikTok videos promoting the supplement for nearly every ailment imaginable. It does play an important role in the body—getting enough can help with muscle cramps, migraines, and more—but it’s not a miracle mineral. Here’s what it can and can’t do.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

THE TRUTH ABOUT IMMUNE-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS: Here’s what the science says about zinc, and vitamins C and D +

MICROGRAPH BY ALFRED PASIEKA, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

What’s really in your melatonin—and is it giving you nightmares?

The dosing in these popular over-the-counter sleep supplements can vary wildly from what’s printed on the label, which can result in side effects. Here’s how to use it safely.

SURPRISING INGREDIENTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY NICOLAS ARMER, PICTURE ALLIANCE/GETTY IMAGES

A deadly fungus with mysterious origins is spreading. How much of a threat is it?

Candida auris recently swept through hospitals in the U.S. and has been spreading at an “alarming rate,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. What makes it so concerning is that it’s difficult to detect—and even harder to treat. We take a look at its possible origins, why it emerged seemingly overnight, and who’s most at risk.

WHO’S AT RISK?

THE NEXT PANDEMIC? A fungal pandemic is a serious possibility. We are not prepared. +

CAN GUM DISEASE TRIGGER JOINT PAIN?

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates suggested pulling teeth could cure arthritis. He was on the right track, sort of: Today’s researchers are exploring the connection between periodontitis and inflammatory diseases—like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis—with surprising results.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOUTH

Taming inflammation:

•

Drugs that could reverse arthritis or make your heart young again? It’s not sci-fi.

•

The end of inflammation? New approach could treat dozens of diseases

•

How certain foods reduce inflammation and lower your risk of disease

HOW TO DEAL WITH FOOD POISONING

PHOTOGRAPH BY PHANIE, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Lots of people get food poisoning while they’re traveling—gastrointestinal infections related to food or water affect 30 to 70 percent of all travelers during or immediately after their trips—but you can get it just as easily from your local deli. Here’s why people get food poisoning, what to do if it strikes, and how to (maybe) prevent it.

WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU

MOTION SICKNESS: What causes it—and how can you prevent it? +

HEALTH NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

IMAGE BY JING-DONG JACKIE HAN, PEKING UNIVERSITY

How old are you, really? The answer is written on your face: Your biological age reflects your physical health and can differ from your actual age by years. A new tool that calculates that number “could be a wake-up call.”

FACIAL AGING CLOCK

Your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer’s detection

Losing weight leads to better health? Not necessarily

‘Brain food’ is real. Here’s what to eat to keep it healthy and strong.

Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?

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What magnesium supplements can and can’t do

What magnesium supplements can and can’t do

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