Over 300 different enzymes ( proteins that facilitate chemical reactions in living cells, we couldn’t survive without them basically) require magnesium.
Magnesium is essential for heart rhythm, nerve function and muscle contraction/ relaxation.
It is vital for bone formation, Vitamin D metabolism, and blood glucose regulation.
So how would you feel if you didn’t have enough magnesium for all these vital functions in your body? Well, probably pretty crap 😫
But let me be more specific...
weakness, fatigue
low mood, anxiety, agitation
headaches
muscle twitches and spasms, stiffness
low stress tolerance, low pain tolerance
increased risk of osteoporosis
insomnia
unstable blood pressure and blood glucose levels
sore tongue
loss of appetite, nausea
Let’s get some Magnesium on our plates...
Hemp seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Flaxseeds
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews
Tofu
Spinach and kale
Avocado
Kidney beans and black beans
Dark chocolate
Buckwheat and quinoa
But what if you need more than what your diet can provide? Or you look at that list and all you see is dark chocolate 😜
Well, poor diet, stress, some medications ( eg the oral contraceptive pill), gut problems, pregnancy and lactation, sweating, alcohol, and coffee can leave you needing more.
Magnesium supplements can be helpful but there’s so many out there and it’s hard to decide which one to choose. Guess what? There’s no ‘best’ form, just like there’s no ‘best’ diet.
The question needs to be ‘ what form of magnesium is best for me?’
It’s beyond this newsletter to go through each form as there’s several, but depending on your health concern - eg adrenal support, blood pressure management (with your GP in the loop), muscular aches and pains, mental calm and relaxation (Epsom salts bath great too), bone health etc, then that determines the BEST magnesium form for you.
I’d suggest you consult with your Naturopath, Nutritionist or Integrative GP, who can help determine the best form of magnesium for your individual needs as well as appropriate dosing.
Until next time,
Stay well
Christine x