Something New!

I’m just going to come out of the gate with the big dog. MAGNESIUM BABY! Magnesium is such a vital mineral in the way our bodies function and MOST of us are not getting nearly what we need. 

My own learning about Magnesium began 14 years ago when I was having terrible gut issues. Long story short, I ended up going to a Colon Therapist (yes, it’s a thing) and she explained to me the importance of certain nutrients that the gut needs to heal and function properly. She said to get a magnesium supplement ASAP. So I have been taking Magnesium every night ever since. Although I have altered the dosage and type over the years, the routine has stayed the same. Magnesium every night before bed. 

I didn’t realize how much my body needed this and how it affected me until the times I went too long without it. During these times, I wouldn’t sleep as well, I would have trouble going to the bathroom regularly and in all honesty, would get depressed. It was becoming clear that my body needed this important mineral to stay in balance. 

When I began to do more research on Mg, I realized why. It is not only super important for gut health, it is important for every cell in the body to function! It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, helps to manage blood sugar AND blood pressure, it is crucial for immune system health (which makes sense since the immune system is mostly in the gut), and it is also a major factor in bone density & development…

And this is just the tip of the iceberg for the role Magnesium plays in our overall health! I could go on and on about how it is necessary for Protein Synthesis which is how cells produce the proteins they need for their function, (this process is crucial for keeping us alive and WELL) and how it helps us maintain Metabolic Health and it plays a key role in in Kidney function. 

BUT I encourage all of you to do some research on this magnificent mineral to see where you may be seeing symptoms of a deficiency in yourself or your loved ones. 

Because most of us probably are deficient in it because it can be challenging to get it just from our foods these days AND properly process it in the body, supplementation is usually a safe bet along with seeking out foods that contain it.  A quick Google search will bring up many different kinds of Magnesium, so what KIND of Magnesium is best?! Well, you will be the one to decide this based on your needs but here are some examples: 

I personally take Mag Citrate as it helps hydrate the intestines and supports regularity and it also aids in sleep. Magnesium Glycinate is a great choice because it is one that is typically absorbed at a higher rate and may help regulate blood pressure & blood sugar. It is also known to help manage stress & anxiety.  Mag Acetyl Taurate (also known as TauroMag) supports muscle relaxation which also aids in sleep & it is good for cognitive function and supporting neurotransmitter function. 

If all of these are too overwhelming for you, a good overall choice is Magnesium Chloride. This one covers your everyday deficiency, it is easily absorbed and you can buy a decent bottle for a reasonable price that will give you a bang for your buck as you don’t need that much each day! Putting just a few drops in water or a smoothie each day can be a boost that aids in bringing your body back into balance.

🥬 DON'T FORGET about the foods that are rich in Mg! Foods that are good sources of magnesium are: 

Dark Leafy Greens like Spinach, Collard Greens and Kale

Pumpkin Seeds

Bananas

Black Beans

Almonds, Cashews & Brazil Nuts

Avocados

Dark Chocolate

Whole Grains like Brown Rice & Quinoa