Magnesium - The Good, the Great and the One to Avoid!

She beamed as she walked into Sow & Arrow, declaring that the magnesium she had started taking been 'an absolute game-changer... it's like magic!"

Magnesium is a mineral that many of us are sub-clinically deficient in. Magnesium is one hard working mineral, it is involved in over 300 functions in the body, including supporting blood sugars, energy production, soothing a stressed nervous system, relaxing muscles, effective oestrogen clearance, activating vitamin D... to name a few!

Why are so many of us deficient?

Magnesium becomes depleted when we eat foods that consistently spike our blood sugars as well as when we have chronic inflammation. Magnesium also becomes depleted with heavy exercise, excessive sweating, heavy menstrual cycles, certain medication and even just with ageing as the digestive system is less able to absorb this important mineral. 

What are the symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency?

You may already suspect that you are low in magnesium... however, here are some of the tell tale signs that you may benefit from a top up of magnesium.

Insomnia, low mood, cramping in the hands and feet, constipation, anxiety, insulin resistance (a condition where blood sugars and insulin levels start to creep up causing weight gain and high blood pressure) and low energy are all potential tell tale sign of magnesium deficiency.

Which magnesium is right for me?

Magnesium comes in many different forms, however, not all magnesium supplements will work the same! 

Magnesium Oxide - poor bioavailability, poor absorption.

Magnesium Bisglycinate - very bioavailable, a great compound for improving sleep, anxiety, blood sugars (reducing insulin resistance), energy levels and used oestrogen clearance. The glycine within magnesium bisglycinate, also helps to reduce core temperature at night, build collagen and build our master antioxidant. The brand I choose, has the added benefit of B6, which works hand in hand with magnesium and is especially helpful for mood and a sense of calm as well as supporting hormonal imbalances such as PMS and hot flushes. 2 capsules taken at bed time (200mg), can support sleep, increasing quality and quantity of sleep.

Magnesium Citrate - is another bioavailable source of magnesium that draws water into the small intestine. It can loosen stools and does not have the same benefits as the glycine as found in the magnesium bisglycinate. 

Magnesium Malate - can be helpful for those with tired muscles and fibromyalgia.

Nano-Magnesium - requires no digestion and is in its elementary form (not bound to another substance). The magnesium particles are 0.3-0.5 nanometers in size (a nanometer is a billionth of a meter!). Nano-magnesium is not dependent upon digestion and is 100% biologically available, making it ideal for those with digestive disorders and acid suppressors.

If you are suffering with insomnia, anxiety, cramps (including menstrual cramps), hormonal imbalances associated with perimenopause and menopause and low energy, then magnesium might be one for you to try... it's one of my top three supplements for everyday wellbeing.

For a 10% discount on Magnesium Bisglycinate, use the discount code MAGICMAG at the checkout.