How much do you know about the role magnesium plays in your body?
Because we talk so much about the effects of stress on your body, it’s only fair that we start there: Magnesium is one of your best allies in the fight against stress! It can help level out cortisol, aid in digestion, ease migraines, balance hormones, and a whole host of other benefits.
First let’s see what it looks like to be magnesium deficient, then a breakdown of just a few of this miracle mineral’s best benefits.
The Relaxation Mineral
Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff — whether it is a body part or an even a mood — is a sign of magnesium deficiency.
This critical mineral is actually responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all of your tissues — but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain. You must have it for your cells to make energy, for many different chemical pumps to work, to stabilize membranes, and to help muscles relax.
That is why the list of conditions that are found related to magnesium deficiency is so long. In fact, there are over 3,500 medical references on magnesium deficiency!
You might be magnesium deficient if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Anxiety
- Autism
- ADD
- Palpitations
- Angina
- Constipation
- Anal spasms
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Asthma
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- PMS
- Menstrual cramps
- Irritable bladder
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Reflux
- Trouble swallowing
Magnesium deficiency has even has been linked to inflammation in the body and higher CRP levels.
In our society, magnesium deficiency is a huge problem. By conservative standards of measurement (blood, or serum, magnesium levels), 65 percent of people admitted to the intensive care unit — and about 15 percent of the general population — have magnesium deficiency.
The reason we are so deficient is simple: Many of us eat a diet that contains practically no magnesium — a highly-processed, refined diet that is based mostly on white flour, meat, and dairy (all of which have no magnesium).
– via Dr. Mark Hyman
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? If you think adding more magnesium into your diet might be good for you, take a look at just a few of the many benefits. Obviously, any major diet or supplement change – especially if you’re regularly taking prescription medications – should be discussed with your doctor and implemented carefully.
Start with a lose dose of magnesium and work your way up to see which benefits will show up for you!
Benefits of Magnesium
Better sleep
The sleep regulating hormone melatonin is disturbed when Magnesium is deficient. Furthermore, Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. Stress and tension are often reasons why people suffer from insomnia in the first place.
Relaxes the nervous system
Serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood, is dependent on Magnesium.
Better flexibility
Magnesium loosens tight muscles. Without Magnesium, muscles do not relax properly and cramps occur. Magnesium is important for flexibility, because low Magnesium results in a buildup of lactic acid, causing pain and tightness.
Bone integrity and strength
Magnesium helps to fix calcium properly. It may blow some people’s mind that the calcium supplements they’re taking are not only useless, but are actually contributing to osteoporosis! There are actually about eighteen essential nutrients that contribute to bone health; Magnesium is definitely one of the most essential, because it stimulates a particular hormone called calcitonin. And, it also suppresses a hormone called parathyroid that breaks down bone.
Alkalizes the body
Magnesium helps return the body’s pH balance. Magnesium reduces lactic acid, which is partly responsible for post-exercise pain (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).
Hydrates
Magnesium is a necessary electrolyte essential for proper hydration.
Helps to relieve constipation
Magnesium can be used to cleanse the bowels of toxins.
Enzyme function
Enzymes are protein molecules that stimulate every chemical reaction in the body. Magnesium is required to make hundreds of these enzymes work and assists with thousands of others.
– via mindbodygreen
Do you currently take a magnesium supplement? If any of the symptoms above describe your experience, it might be time to try one!