For the last couple of months I have been going on and on about magnesium. I can’t help it though, it’s what I do when I become completely and utterly in love with something.
Because magnesium is THAT good and it doesn’t receive half the attention it deserves. It’s benefits are incredible and I feel as though a lot of people don’t know about much about it.
Why am I so obsessed with magnesium?
Weight loss: The mineral plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels. A high intake of magnesium has been linked to lower levels of fasting glucose and insulin, which control fat and weight gain, according to a 2013 study reported in the Journal of Nutrition. In another study, British researchers found that magnesium supplements help decrease fluid retention to relieve bloating during the menstrual cycle.
Beats sugar cravings: Are you constantly craving sugar? Well, turns out, it’s likely you just have a magnesium deficiency and you’re actually craving magnesium-rich foods. Also, if you’re eating daily sources of magnesium, your body will be able to deal with fructose better and you won’t get sugar highs and lows.
Anxiety, stress and panic attacks: Magnesium helps keep adrenal stress hormones under control and also helps maintain normal brain function. It is vital for GABA function, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces “happy hormones” like serotonin. If you suffer with anxiety, this magnesium drink literally keeps me sane and helps me de-stress when my anxiety is sky rocketing which is always so fun.
Depression: Did you know depression can also be caused by a magnesium deficiency? It plays an important role in biochemical reactions all over your body. It’s a well-known natural alternative to anti-depressants.
Treats insomnia & helps you sleep: I find it extremely difficult to get to sleep most nights, even more so when I’m feeling particularly anxious about something. I’m pretty much convinced I’m bordering on insomnia. Magnesium is vital for the function of GABA receptors, which is a calming neurotransmitter that the brain requires to switch off; without it, we remain tense, our thoughts race and we lie in bed staring at the ceiling. Magnesium tells your brain to switch off, basically, which is why it’s an all-hail among insomnia sufferers or anyone who struggles getting to sleep. It’s even proven to be more effective than melatonin.
Relieves PMS symptoms & balances hormones: Ever wonder why you crave chocolate before your period? It’s because your body is clamoring for magnesium. Magnesium levels fluctuate during a woman’s cycle. The higher the estrogen or progesterone, the lower the magnesium. This can result in spasms in the brain arteries — a prelude to PMS and migraines. Increasing your magnesium intake can help relieve PMS-related symptoms, such as headaches, bloating, cramps, low blood sugar, dizziness, fluid retention and sugar cravings.
Helps increase energy: Magnesium is used to create “energy” in your body by activating adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP. This means that without enough magnesium, you don’t have the energy you need and can suffer from fatigue more easily.
Promotes digestion: Magnesium helps keep bowels regular by maintaining normal bowel muscle function. Depending how much and what type of magnesium you take, it has a mild laxative effect. Maintaining regular bowel movements also contribute to higher energy levels.
When to take: Magnesium supplements should be taken at night right before bed. This is because has a calming effect on both the muscles and nervous system, and may therefore be beneficial in getting a good night’s sleep. It also regulates your bowel movements in the morning, keeping you feeling light and energised.
Of course, you can up your magnesium intake through food (and you definitely should) but I highly recommend adding supplements into your diet to reap all the added benefits. Magnesium rich foods include dark leafy greens, nuts/nut butters, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, & dark chocolate.
There are many types of magnesium but I’ve found magnesium citrate to be most effective and easily absorbed. I take 2 supplements before bed (I like this one) but I’m not a doctor, I’m just sharing what works for me, in hope it will help you too.
Have you ever taken magnesium or heard of it’s benefits?
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