Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body and similarly to zinc it plays an essential part in many of the body’s complex systems. It’s been found to have a role in over 300 enzymes which are used for everything from heart health and blood sugar balance to the proper formation of bones and teeth.
While it’s common to hear people talk about the importance of getting enough calcium, magnesium is actually a far more common deficiency among North Americans. The optimal balance between these two minerals is between a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio. Magnesium is critical for muscular health, as it’s required to allow your muscles to relax while calcium causes them to constrict. This means that a chronic magnesium deficiency can lead to a higher risk of muscle strain or injury, as your muscles lack the flexibility they need in times of stress.
And it isn’t just crucial for athletic performance as it’s also an excellent natural remedy for a wide array of common health complaints, especially for women. Increasing dietary intake or supplementing with magnesium can help alleviate many other health issues as well.
Magnesium Can Reduce Suffering
- Anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Mood disorders
- Menstrual cramps
- Hangover symptoms
- Maintain cardiovascular function
- When used topically it’s known to improve psoriasis, acne and localized aches or cramping.
- Another benefit to this method is improving your quality of sleep and increasing your energy levels.
Another unique way to take advantage of your ability to absorb magnesium through your skin barrier is to try out a sensory deprivation tank which is filled with magnesium sulfate or Epsom salts. The mental and physical benefits of floating are amazingly extensive and include accelerated healing, calming the mind and increased immune function. Many high performance athletes are also known to use floating to help speed up their recovery, and it’s quickly becoming more popular and accessible to a wider array of health enthusiasts.
When deciding to supplement with magnesium it’s common to feel overwhelmed when you see the selection in most stores. Try to find one that’s labelled magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate which is chelated with an amino acid to enhance it’s bioavailability.
But whole food sources have other minerals that work in synergy with magnesium and fiber that will aid with absorption. An easy way to identify good sources in your food is whether they’re green – chlorophyll contains a backbone of magnesium!
6 Magnesium Rich Foods
- Bananas
- Almonds
- Flax seeds
- Avocados
- Sea vegetables
- Raw cacao
As you can see, these options are so delicious hopefully many of us can succeed in increasing our intake of this amazing nutrient through diet alone. Here’s a magnesium rich smoothie recipe for you.
