Most health-conscious people have heard of magnesium but did you know that magnesium is required by all the cells in your body to carry out hundreds of different processes every day? Magnesium is involved with the metabolism of your foods, hormone production, stress modulation, muscle relaxation, bone health and sleep regulation. Surprising isn’t it! Magnesium is a vital nutrient that we can get from food and supplements, and it is so very very important that you are getting enough. Here are my top 3 reasons you may need a little more of this amazing mineral.
1. You’re not getting enough
Up to 33% of the Australian population are NOT meeting their minimum daily magnesium requirements
Recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for magnesium range from 310 mg/day - to 420 mg/day. Green veggies, nuts and cocoa are all magnesium rich foods that can help us reach our requirements. But with processed foods maki
ng their way more and more onto peoples plates, along with aversions to vegetables (steak and chips anyone?) more and more Australians are missing out!
2. You’re losing too much
Drinks like coffee and tea contain tannins that can decrease the intestinal absorption of magnesium. Additionally, caffeine, as well as alcohol have a diuretic effect which increases the loss of our body’s water and minerals, including magnesium, via the urine.
Certain medications such as antibiotics and steroids can cause anywhere from a moderate to severe depletion in magnesium. Even exercise causes depletion of magnesium through urinary excretion and sweat!
3. You are Stressed
Most clients I speak to don’t know about the part
magnesium plays with their stress response. Did you know having an already low level of magnesium is associated with the onset of stressful conditions in the body? However, the activation of the body’s stress response then actually increases the use and elimination of magnesium from the body.
This can result in a vicious cycle: low magnesium causes increased stress, which leads to an increase in the use and excretion of magnesium, leading to lower magnesium levels.
Boost your magnesium levels
If you’re thinking it’s probably time to increase your magnesium intake, a supplement can be a great way to top up. Maybe you would like support from an increase in demand from exercise or a recent stressful environment, or to address a deficiency. Either way, look for up to 300mg of elemental magnesium. Not all forms of magnesium are created equally, as some can cause bowel disturbances. Look for a chelated form as the best option. Bottom of Form
Or alternatively, book in for a consult to check if a magnesium supplement is right for you.