The Original Chill Pill! Unbelievable benefits of Magnesium

The Original Chill Pill, according to psychology today!   Did you know that approximately 60% of all Americans are magnesium deficient!  And did you know that those who drink a lot of coffee or alcohol or suffer from anxiety, may be especially prone to this deficiency?! 

 You may or may not remember your high school chemistry class, but magnesium is an element and it helps regulate more than 300 of the biochemical reactions in your body.  It is critical to human life. Half of the magnesium stored in your body resides in your bones the other half supports critical body processes like nerve and muscle function, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, as well as protein synthesis.  Magnesium is a foundational micronutrient for hormone pathways and neurotransmitter regulation.   

Think of magnesium as a hormone rescuer!

 It has a role in hormonal regulation, preventing excess cortisol, increasing insulin sensitivity and supporting the production of thyroid hormone. It can also slow aging by reducing oxidative stress, supporting the production of glutathione (a protective antioxidant) and supporting telomere strength.  It is an electrolyte that facilitates the electrical processes and neural communication in your heart and brain. And it also plays a critical role in the utilization of energy, DNA and vitamin D in your body. It is known to relax the body at a cellular level.

 The FDA says individuals need 320 mgs of this mineral daily, but the average American woman is reported to only get 177-237 mgs per day. Today, many functional doctors and OBGYN’s believe the amount can be much higher, like 500-1000mgs daily help improve hormone regulation.  

 The impacts of not having the appropriate daily intake of magnesium can lead to some pretty problematic health issues.  For example, common symptoms of a lack of magnesium include: Insomnia, fatigue, mental confusion, irritability or anxiety disorders, weakness, muscle cramps, constipation, loss of appetite, hot flashes and higher susceptibility to stress.  And low magnesium has been associated with everything from hypertension to asthma to osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and even migraines. 

 As you may know, some of these symptoms are often discussed in menopause circles, which is how I started my research on this mandatory mineral.  

Why low levels of magnesium matter at perimenopause and menopause.  Even a small deficiency increases a woman’s odds for insulin resistance - which in turn raises your risk for diabetes and heart disease, especially as you age.  Reported perimenopausal symptoms often caused by magnesium deficiencies in addition to above include: memory loss, nervousness, increased urination, perspiration issues and increased body odors, muscle tremors and cramps.

I have read that it is often surprising how magnesium supplementation magically seems to ‘cure’ an ongoing sleep disorders, PMS, and constipation.  It is also cited in medical journals that magnesium assists with the formation of brain tissue and joint proteins and strengthens the digestive tract walls.

 What I find fascinating about our bodies and symptoms is that often times so many health conditions can have the same symptoms, which is why education and awareness is paramount.  

What really is the root cause of your symptoms and how do you know if you aren’t getting enough of this super-critical mineral? 

 The unfortunate thing about a magnesium deficiency is that it isn’t usually detectable through blood tests because only 1 percent of your body’s magnesium is stored in your blood serum. That means you might not realize how depleted your magnesium levels are, even if your doctor orders a blood test.

 The Good News: Getting your magnesium levels up can be easy.  Here are some magnesium-rich foods for you to add into your meal planning:  leafy greens, nuts (especially almonds), milk, bananas, pineapples, nettles, chickweed,  kelp, seaweed, lima beans, black beans, sunflower and sesame seeds and dark chocolate are great ways to boost your levels.  AND if none of that sounds good, you can always go the supplement route, but be sure to read the labels. Magnesium lactate, citrate, chloride and aspartate are more easily absorbed by your gut than other types.  And for the self-care junkies reading this, epsom salt baths allow for magnesium to absorb directly into your skin!

 As with everything else related to medicine, it’s cool to learn about stuff and become your own best patient advocate, but definitely check in with your doctor before deciding you need to make a bulk purchase—or even go down too many Google rabbit holes.