Magnesium awareness has blossomed in the past couple of years as word of the mineral’s many potential benefits has spread through the internet and social media.
Is magnesium really worth the hype?
We think so.
Many of the reasons more people are adding magnesium to their daily routine probably sound familiar: falling asleep and staying asleep, migraine relief, anxiety and mood, cardio health support, relief from muscle cramps…and many more.
In fact, the list of potential benefits is so broad that it’s likely you or someone you love experiences at least occasional symptoms that magnesium might help with.
So everyone just grab some magnesium and all is well, right?
Nope, it’s not that simple.
First, you should discuss any health concerns with your primary health provider. It's also important to understand how to incorporate magnesium into your daily routine.
There many different forms of magnesium, each with a variety of potential benefits.
Magnesium’s Role In Our Body
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that plays a fundamental role in ensuring the body functions optimally.
It is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, ranging from muscle contractions and nerve function to energy production, protein synthesis, and blood glucose control.
From the moment you wake up until you fall asleep, magnesium is at work, keeping the gears of your body turning smoothly.
Magnesium's Key Functions:
- Muscle and Nerve Function: Magnesium is critical for muscle relaxation and contraction, as well as transmitting signals between nerves. Fun fact: Over-cramping can come from dehydration or low magnesium.
- Energy Production: It is a cofactor in ATP production, the energy currency of the body.
- Bone Health: Magnesium aids in the absorption and metabolism of calcium, important for bone density and strength.
- Heart Health: By regulating calcium and potassium ions, magnesium helps maintain normal heart rhythm and blood pressure.
You Probably Need More Magnesium In Your Diet…Here’s Why
While dietary choices and magnesium supplementation can help maintain adequate magnesium levels, various factors can deplete this essential mineral from your body.
By recognizing and addressing these influences, you can take preventive measures to ensure your magnesium levels remain within a healthy range.
Common Factors:
- Dietary Deficiency: Processed foods lack magnesium, while whole foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains are rich sources.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Chronic alcoholism interferes with magnesium absorption.
- High-Caffeine Diet: Excessive caffeine intake can increase magnesium excretion through urine.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, like diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, can interfere with magnesium absorption.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like celiac disease and IBS can impair magnesium absorption.
- Stress: Chronic stress increases magnesium requirements, potentially leading to depletion.
- Sweating: Profuse sweating can lead to magnesium loss, especially in athletes.
- Aging: Older adults may absorb magnesium less efficiently from their diet.
TIP: Many consumers falsely associate volume with quality when it comes to magnesium. Your body can only use so much and excess is simply discarded when you pee. Is a brand with 500mg of magnesium 2x better than another with only 260mg? Not if the product isn’t made to the same quality standards and if the excess in the dosage is of no added benefit. And to be blunt, too much magnesium can give you diarrhea. Why pay extra for that?
Common Forms of Magnesium and Their Benefits
Magnesium exists in several different forms, each with unique characteristics and potential benefits. Here are four common forms of magnesium and their respective advantages:
- Benefits: Enhanced absorption, less likely to cause stomach upset, and promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
- Usage: Suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs.
- Benefits: Highly water-soluble, acts as a mild laxative, and promotes regular bowel movements.
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Usage: Ideal for those dealing with occasional constipation.
- Benefits: Combines the benefits of magnesium and vitamin C, supports immune function, and acts as an antioxidant.
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Usage: Great for overall health and immune support.
- Benefits: Highly bioavailable, supports energy production, and helps alleviate muscle pain and fatigue.
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Usage: Beneficial for those with chronic pain and fatigue.
Potential Benefits Of Magnesium Supplementation
Magnesium offers a spectrum of benefits that can enhance overall health and well-being. Its versatile nature makes it an indispensable part of our daily lives, influencing various physiological processes.
Key Benefits:
- Muscle Function and Relaxation: Regulates calcium ions for muscle contractions and ensures their relaxation, promoting restorative sleep.
- Nervous System Support: Modulates ion channels in nerve cells, alleviating symptoms of restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and depression.
- Energy Production: Supports sustained energy levels by being a cofactor for enzymes involved in ATP production.
- Bone Health: Aids in calcium absorption and bone mineralization, essential for maintaining bone density and strength.
- Heart Health: Maintains normal heart rhythm and regulates blood pressure through potassium and calcium ion movements.
Ultra Magnesium: Your Solution to Optimal Health
Our Pure Essentials Ultra Magnesium supplement is carefully formulated with four therapeutic forms of this impactful mineral. We never use more inactive ingredients than are required to support a product's effective delivery of what's good for your body.
Ultra Magnesium includes organic bamboo stem and leaf as a natural, non-GMO alternative to the synthetic magnesium stearate you'll find on the label of many top selling magnesium products – often made from GMO cottonseed oil or canola oil.
When considering magnesium supplementation, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. Celebrate the powerful ally that magnesium can be on your journey to a healthier and more vibrant life.