We all know that vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthy daily function of our bodies and minds – but often the most basic are forgotten, especially with the wealth of superfoods, adaptogens and nootropic herbal remedies out there to choose from when we want to improve our health from the inside out.
Magnesium is often not considered when low-level symptoms associated with deficiency occur – but restoring the right amount can tackle low energy levels, balance your mood and even help with painful periods.
Why is magnesium so important?
The body uses magnesium for over 300 biological processes in the body – but some of the most important include:
1. Energy: Magnesium plays a vital role in converting energy from food.
2. Pain management and nervous system regulation: Magnesium helps to regulate neurotransmitters, which supports a healthy nervous system.
3. Better sleep: Magnesium can help promote a feeling of calm and relaxation – lack of magnesium can produce feelings of restlessness and anxiety.
4. Muscle movement: Magnesium helps to move blood sugar to the muscles, facilitating better movement and exercise performance. Without magnesium we can get tired more quickly and have less energy to do daily tasks as well as workouts.
5. Mood regulation: Magnesium plays a critical role in brain health and function – with lower levels linked to depression and anxiety. Some studies showed that magnesium supplements can help to lower stress hormone levels.
Are there natural sources of magnesium?
Magnesium may be essential for optimal function of body and mind – but it’s also abundant in many foods we eat on a daily basis. Magnesium is naturally found in a variety of healthy wholefoods, including:
*Cacao and dark chocolate
*Legumes
*Nuts and seeds (flax and chia seeds, brazil nuts, almonds and cashews especially)
*Avocados
*Soy products like tofu and tempeh
*Whole grains (buckwheat and quinoa in particular)
Magnesium is also present in mineral water and can be absorbed using sprays, creams and salt baths.
What are the signs of magnesium deficiency?
Although magnesium can be found abundantly in a healthy, balanced diet, some factors can impact upon our ability to absorb it, causing deficiency. Many people with a magnesium deficiency may not be aware of an issue until they are diagnosed as symptoms may not show – although often once they increase their magnesium intake, they usually see a great improvement in their overall health.
Women in particular can be prone to magnesium deficiencies – yet magnesium can help to improve other conditions that commonly affect women such as chronic fatigue and can also ease symptoms of PMS such as water retention, pain and low mood.
Symptoms commonly associated with magnesium deficiency include:
*Fatigue, weakness and exhaustion
*Muscle cramps, tremors or spasms
*Low mood, anxiety, nervousness, depression
*Heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
*Aches and pains
If you suffer from some of the above symptoms it may be a sign of depleted magnesium levels, speak to your physician. The best way to determine whether you may have a magnesium deficiency is to ask your doctor to run blood tests to confirm whether this is the case.
Harness the magic of magnesium with Serenease
Our sophisticated Serenease blend features three bioavailable types of magnesium for optimum efficiency and absorbency. Even if you eat a healthy diet you can still suffer from magnesium deficiency – supplementation ensures you’re getting sufficient levels to avoid symptoms. As always please consult your MD before introducing any new supplements or medications into your routine.
