Choosing The Right Form of Magnesium
In the midst of our bustling lives, it's easy to overlook the essentials that keep us balanced. Magnesium is one of those essentials. It is a cornerstone of optimal health, especially as we navigate a landscape dotted with chronic stress, ever-present infections, and evolving dietary challenges. However, with so many different forms available, it can be pretty confusing to know if you’re taking the right one for your intended health outcomes. For example, some forms will make you feel super relaxed, while others loosen stools. This blog will help you understand how to choose the right form of magnesium for your health goals and symptoms. We also share some of our favorite supplements towards the end. Let’d dive in.
Understanding the Importance of Supplementing Magnesium
Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral. It plays a pivotal role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in our bodies, facilitating various biochemical functions, from muscle contraction to DNA synthesis. For those with particular health concerns, magnesium's multi-faceted nature offers multiple benefits, and understanding its various forms can be the key to tailored healing. It’s nearly impossible to feel good without adequate magnesium.
Here's a deeper dive into why its supplementation has become increasingly essential in today's times:
1. Chronic Stress: The Silent Depletor
In an age where burnout is rampant, our bodies are in a constant battle against stress. Stress activates our 'fight or flight' response, leading to a cascade of hormonal reactions. This physiological stress response consumes magnesium at an alarming rate. As a result, prolonged stress can deplete our body's magnesium stores, rendering us more susceptible to other health issues. Adequate magnesium levels can act as a buffer for stress in the body, helping our nervous system stay resilient amidst daily challenges, and preventing more serious adrenal insufficiency.
2. Chronic Infections: The Hidden Battle
Chronic infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, put the immune system in an overdrive mode. Magnesium plays a vital role in immune function. It's essential for the production of antibodies and immune cells. Thus, a body combating chronic infections might utilize more magnesium than usual, emphasizing the need for greater replenishment.
3. Anxiety and the Brain-Body Connection
Anxiety has links to magnesium levels. Magnesium plays a pivotal role in neurotransmitter function, which affects our mood and brain activity. Low magnesium levels can lead to reduced serotonin production, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Regular magnesium supplementation can serve as a natural approach to manage anxiety symptoms, offering an alternative to pharmaceutical interventions.
4. Modern Agriculture: Depleting Our Diets
Modern farming practices have significantly impacted the nutrient composition of the soil. Intensive farming, pesticides, and failure to rotate crops can deplete the soil of essential minerals, including magnesium. As a result, the vegetables and grains that once were magnesium-rich now contain lesser amounts than before. This soil depletion underscores the need for supplementation, as our regular diets might no longer meet our magnesium requirements.
7 Helpful Forms of Magnesium
Not all forms of magnesium are the same. There are several types that act in the body in different ways. You’ll want to select the one that’s best for your specific symptom relief or health enhancing goals.
1. Magnesium Glycinate: For a Restful Night
Benefits: Magnesium Glycinate is best known for promoting sleep. How? Glycinate, an amino acid, coupled with magnesium, offers a calmative effect on the brain, preparing it for sleep.
Beyond Sleep: This form of magnesium also ensures minimal gastric related side effects. Hence, those with sensitive digestive systems often find it the most tolerable.
2. Magnesium Malate: Muscle's Best Friend
Benefits: Magnesium Malate is a combination of magnesium and malic acid, beneficial for muscle function. Those experiencing muscle fatigue, pain, or fibromyalgia may find relief with this form.
Fun Fact: Malic acid is naturally found in apples and is part of the reason why “an apple a day” is popular wisdom.
3. Magnesium Threonate: Brain Booster
Benefits: Magnesium Threonate stands out for its unique ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, making it crucial for cognitive functions.
Mental Clarity: For those grappling with brain fog, this form can be a blessing. It's been linked with improved memory and clearer thought processes.
4. Magnesium Taurate: Heart-Healthy
Benefits: The union of magnesium and taurine, an amino acid, this form is renowned for cardiovascular benefits. It may help regulate heartbeats and protect the heart from damage.
Did You Know? Taurine is often found in energy drinks, which are loaded with other harmful ingredients. But in this natural context, it's a supportive nutrient without the side effects of those commercial beverages.
5. Magnesium Chloride: Digestive Dynamo
Benefits: Highly beneficial for those with gut health challenges, Magnesium Chloride aids digestion and can even help in detoxification processes. Used to treat symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion.
Topical Use: This form is also available in an oil form, suitable for topical application, offering benefits like skin hydration and muscle relaxation.
6. Magnesium Citrate: Nature’s Laxative
Benefits: Known for its laxative properties, Magnesium Citrate is a go-to for alleviating constipation.
Balancing Act: While effective, it's essential to find the right dosage as excessive intake can result in diarrhea.
7. Magnesium Sulfate: Time to Relax
Benefits: Familiar to many as Epsom salt, Magnesium Sulfate is the ideal component for a relaxing bath, known to ease muscle aches and pains and supporting detoxification efforts.
Beyond Baths: Used as a short-term laxative or even to prevent eclampsia in pregnant women, its applications are diverse.
Conclusion: Tailor Your Magnesium Intake
One size doesn't fit all, especially when it comes to wellness, and magnesium. By understanding the different forms of magnesium, you can hone in on what your body needs most. Remember, before diving into any supplementation, it's always wise to consult with a holistic health or medical professional to find the right dosage and form. Your wellness journey is uniquely yours, but we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Our Favorite Magnesium Supplements
Available for purchase at 20% off in Our Fullscript Dispensary at https://us.fullscript.com/plans/healingmastersllc-favorite-magnesium-supplements
Sabre Science iMagT Powder (contains magnesium threonate and inositol)
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate
Seeking Health Optimal Magnesium (80% as magnesium malate and 20% as magnesium glycinate)
Integrative Therapeutics Tri-Magnesium (contains magnesium citrate, oxide, and malate)
White Egret Epsom Salt Pharmaceutical Grade (contains magnesium sulfate)
We also love Researched Nutritional’s Core Minerals, which contains magnesium glycinate and other essential minerals in ideal balanced ratios. Contact us to set up an account for you to order.
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by sarah southerton
Certified Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP2) & Functional Medicine Health Coach
I specialize in helping people heal chronic illnesses and achieve optimal health. After my own battle with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Lyme disease, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Post Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), I was thrust into the world of alternative medicine, herbal healing, and low-tox/low-stress living. I have since restored my health and no longer suffer with debilitating symptoms and I’m passionate about help other people who are suffering, so they can feel better a lot faster than I did.
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