The Marvels of Magnesium
The marvels of magnesium truly highlight its significance in our health. It’s fascinating how this mineral, while often overlooked, plays such a crucial role in so many bodily functions. From energy production to muscle movement magnesium is involved in over 600 biochemical reactions including:
Energy Creation: Magnesium helps convert food into energy.
Protein Formation: It aids in the creation of new proteins from amino acids.
Gene Maintenance: Magnesium is involved in the creation and repair of DNA and RNA.
Muscle Movement: It plays a crucial role in the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
Nervous System Regulation: Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitiers, which send messages throughout the brain and nervous system.
Here are some key points about magnesium:
1. Food sources: Magnesium can be found in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. Dark chocolate and certain fish, such as salmon, are also good sources.
By incorporating these foods and strategies into your daily diet, you can improve your magnesium intake and support your overall health.
2. Health Benefits: Adequate magnesium intake is linked to several health benefits, including improved bone health, better heart health, and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. It may also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality.
3. Deficiency: Magnesium deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, including muscle cramps, mental disorders, osteoporosis, and increased risk of heart disease. Certain populations, such as the elderly or those with gastrointestional diseases, are at a higher risk for deficiency.
Magnesium is a vital mineral that supports numerous bodily functions and overall health. A balanced diet that includes magnesium-rich foods can help ensure that you meet your body’s needs.
Studies suggest that about 50% of people in Europe do not get the recommended daily amount of magnesium. The most common supplement found in health food shops and supermarkets is magnesium oxide; however, this form is not particularly well absorbed and is usually recommended for constipation relief.
A cheat sheet to supplementing magnesium:
Magnesium Malate: Well absorbed and effective for reducing jitters, muscle cramps, stress, and fatigue.
Magnesium Glycinate: Also, well absorbed, it is beneficial for sleep, blood sugar balance, anxiety, stress, and hormonal regulation.
Magnesium Citrate: Known to be effective in addressing digestive complaints.
Magnesium Taurate: This form has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties due to its potent antioxidant activity and can improve cardiovascular health. It is excellent for balancing blood sugar and blood pressure.
Adding an Epsom salt bath or foot soak to your health routine can offer several benefits, including muscle relaxation, stress relief, improved sleep quality, reduced inflammation, enhanced skin health, and detoxification. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
One of my go-to supplements to muscle test when working with clients is Marvelous Magnesium. As you can see, there are many different types of magnesium, each with its unique benefits. I can help identify the most effective form of magnesium tailored specifically to your needs.