Most people take magnesium as a supplement to relieve muscle cramps and soreness, but is there more to this mineral than you think?
Recent scientific studies conclude YES …
- A recent study, that looked at moderate to high grade inflammation in the body, found that magnesium reduced the signs of inflammation in women aged 44 and above.
- Other studies show that magnesium benefits both women and men in multiple age groups.
- Various studies have shown that magnesium supplements not only provide relief from muscle symptoms but effectively reduce symptoms of depression and relieve tiredness/fatigue when the cause is unknown.
This indicates that magnesium could benefit a number of symptoms including: PMS, period pain, improve recovery from strenuous activity, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and benefit many other conditions.
Unfortunately, when most people are feeling stressed and tired, they are more likely to fall for the convenient option of processed foods and take-away. This can make matters worse, as refined foods lose magnesium during processing. On top of that, magnesium loss can also occur through the consumption of some pharmaceutical medications and heavy amounts of alcohol.
But there is hope, with a supplement or increased consumption off high magnesium containing foods you can increase your body’s levels. Foods that are known for their high magnesium content include:
- nuts & seeds (particularly Brazil nuts),
- whole-grains; and
- dark leafy green vegetables.
In Australia, however, there is virtually no magnesium contained within our soils (which is how it is transferred into food). So if you are suffering symptoms of magnesium deficiency such as muscle cramps, twitching, increased tiredness/fatigue or mild to moderate depression, it could be worth considering a supplement to boost magnesium levels in your body. There are different forms of magnesium, therefore choosing the right supplement will depend on your signs and symptoms.
Always check in with your naturopath/nutritionist, to find out which supplement is right for you. If you’re looking for support and not sure where to go, book in for a 15-20 minute obligation free chat with me. I don’t always recommend a naturopathic consultation, however, I will steer you in the right direction of where you can find the support you need. Book your free chat here.