Ever wonder why magnesium gets so much attention? Magnesium is a crucial mineral that our bodies need to work properly! Found naturally in the earth, sea, plants, and even our bodies, it's essential for various bodily functions.
Believe it or not, magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and maintaining a steady heartbeat. It’s a key player in keeping us healthy and energized.
Here’s the catch, though; many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diets, which can lead to deficiency. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include muscle cramps, fatigue, anxiety, and irregular heartbeats. To learn more about the signs of magnesium deficiency, check out my blog post, “Understanding Magnesium Deficiency: Symptoms and Solutions.”
Why Are So Many People Deficient in Magnesium?
It might surprise you, but magnesium deficiency is quite common. There are a few key reasons why many folks aren't getting enough of this important mineral:
- Dietary Choices: Modern diets often lack magnesium-rich foods. Processed foods, which are low in magnesium, have become staples in many people's diets. This shift means fewer whole grains, leafy greens, starchy roots, and berries, which are all awesome sources of magnesium.
- Soil Depletion: Intensive farming practices have led to soil depletion, which means that even the fruits and vegetables we eat contain less magnesium than they did in the past.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Many stomach disorders can interfere with magnesium absorption. Even certain medications can affect how well our bodies absorb magnesium.
- Increased Needs: Certain life stages and conditions can amplify our body's need for magnesium. For example, pregnancy and periods of intense physical activity can all raise magnesium requirements.
- Age: As we age, our bodies may have a harder time absorbing magnesium, and older adults often have less magnesium-rich diets.
Understanding these factors can help us make better choices to ensure we’re getting enough magnesium. But the question is, how can you raise your magnesium intake and enjoy its benefits? Let's dive into the amazing magnesium benefits and how you can make sure you’re getting enough.
5 Main Magnesium Benefits
1. Healthy Heart
Magnesium is crucial for keeping your heart healthy. It helps regulate your heartbeat and supports normal blood pressure levels. Getting enough magnesium can lower your risk of heart disease. That's because it relaxes blood vessels, soothes inflammation, and helps your heart muscle work properly.
2. Better Sleep
Struggling with sleep? Magnesium might be the answer. Stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This mineral helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in sleep, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which promotes relaxation and prepares the body for sleep. Additionally, magnesium's ability to relax muscles and calm the nervous system can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.
3. Stress and Improved Mood
Magnesium should be called “nature’s relaxant,” because it helps regulate the body’s response to stress, allowing you to chill out. It helps balance hormones that affect mood, such as serotonin. Getting enough of this mineral can help ease occasional anxiety and support a more balanced mood.
4. Muscle Support and Cramp Prevention
This magnificent mineral helps with muscle relaxation, which is why it’s often recommended for athletes or anyone experiencing muscle cramps. If you suffer from frequent cramps or muscle spasms, a magnesium deficiency could be to blame. Making sure you get enough magnesium can support muscle recovery and prevent cramps, especially after exercise or during periods of high physical activity.
5. Blood Sugar Regulation
Magnesium is a big player when it comes to keeping your blood sugar levels in check. It helps your body metabolize carbs and influences how insulin works, which is key for stable blood sugar. Some studies even suggest that not getting enough magnesium could up your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. So, keeping your magnesium levels in the right zone can support healthy blood sugar regulation and might even reduce your risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
How to Get Enough Magnesium
A balanced diet is a great way to increase your magnesium intake, and both supplements and topical products can also be helpful additions if you're falling short. Here’s how you can make sure you’re getting enough of this essential mineral:
Diet
One of the best ways to ensure you're getting enough magnesium is through your diet. Here are a few magnesium-rich foods to weave into your meals:
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent sources of magnesium.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds pack a magnesium punch.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread can help boost your magnesium intake.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great plant-based sources of magnesium.
- Fish: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel not only provide magnesium but also healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Dark Chocolate: Good news for chocolate lovers—dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is rich in magnesium.
Supplements
If you're finding it tough to get all the magnesium you need from your meals alone, supplements could be a handy option. There's quite a variety out there—like magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium gluconate. When picking a supplement, it's crucial to think about what your body requires and how it responds to different kinds of magnesium. Some folks mention digestive troubles with certain types, so it's wise to dig into some research and have a chat with your doctor before diving into any new supplement routine.
Topical Magnesium
Our favorite way to get magnesium into your body is topically! Using topical magnesium products is an excellent option for those with digestive issues who may not be able to get the amount they need through diet or supplements.
In our Magnesium Wellness Collection, we have three different types of topical applications to choose from:
- Magnesium Oil: Our magnesium oil comes from the ancient Zechstein Seabed, known as the purest source of magnesium chloride. It's high-quality stuff, free from impurities, and it's a direct and efficient way to up your magnesium levels. By applying it topically, you can absorb it quickly without experiencing the digestive issues often associated with oral supplements. This targeted approach lets you address specific areas of need with ease. To use: For first-time users, start with 3-6 sprays of magnesium oil on your feet for the first 3 weeks. Then continue to apply to the feet, torso, legs, arms, and underarms. Do not apply it to freshly shaven legs - it will burn!
- Calm Child Magnesium Oil: This gentle spray is packed with pure magnesium chloride, perfect for helping muscles relax, soothing those growing pains, and encouraging a healthy night’s sleep It's like a secret weapon for your kid's bedtime routine, helping them get the rest they need for their overall health and happiness.
- Magnesium Butter: This decadent cream is the ultimate blend of Zechstein magnesium chloride, plus some seriously nourishing butters and oils. Think of it as a two-in-one deal: not only does it hydrate your skin like a boss, but it also gives you a good dose of magnesium. It can help support everything from body odor and acne to occasional anxiety, digestive upset, menstrual cramps, headaches, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and more.
Pro tip: If you don’t have kids, then our Magnesium Wellness Duo includes just the Magnesium Oil and Magnesium Butter, without the Calm Child oil.
Get the Magnesium Your Body Needs
With nearly half of the U.S. population lacking in magnesium, it's time to give this mighty mineral some love. Whether through tasty foods, soothing oils, or decadent butter, there's a magnesium solution for everyone.
Here’s what our current customers have to say about our Magnesium Wellness Collection:
“Absolutely amazing! The magnesium line helped with the leg cramps I have been getting during this pregnancy.” - Taniesha B.
"My two-year-old was not going to sleep at night. She would be up the majority of the night watching TV or getting into things in their room. When Tal came out with this collection, I was excited to try it. Now my baby gets her rest and I even send it off when they are away from home on the weekends.” - Lexis B
“I love that this isn’t something awful you have to down or that stinks or takes a while for you to notice! Nope! This stuff works really works and works AMAZINGLY!!! First I tried it, then I put it on my husband, then I put it on the entire family. My kids not knowing what it was for said they fell asleep quickly and didn’t have nightmares or dreams. They just got good sleep and woke up refreshed! That was after one night! I’m in love!” - Gabriela P.
Plus, with every purchase from our Magnesium Wellness Collection, you're not just caring for your health but also supporting autism research and scholarships for underserved families through Freedom Holistic Center.
So let's sprinkle some magnesium magic into our lives and thrive together!
