Magnesium is an essential mineral for human beings and nearly half of the US population does not consume or absorb sufficient levels of magnesium for their bodies to function optimally.
The average person needs 350-400 mg / day of magnesium and athletes can require 10-15% more.
Magnesium is necessary for our cells to both produce and use ATP which is a primary currency of human energy. If cells don’t create enough ATP, they cannot carry out all of their basic biological functions. The effects of this cellular deficiency are that we become fatigued, perform sub-optimally, and become more susceptible to diseases.
Magnesium is also required for our bodies to be able to repair damaged DNA. If we lack the capacity to do this optimally, we become more susceptible to cancers.
It has now been discovered that magnesium is a critical element in our brain’s ability to be neuroplastic – our brain’s ability to grow and change. That means that magnesium is critical to the processes of learning and memory.
Magnesium threonate is a form that is especially adept at being used by the brain and enhancing the receptors that are involved in learning and memory.
Magnesium deficiency is considered to be one of the primary factors in cardiovascular disease.
It is estimated that 80% of deaths due to cardiovascular disease are preventable by dietary modifications that, in part, include eating more leafy greens that contain magnesium.
Even with a healthy diet, many still need to use supplemental magnesium. Why? Modern farming practices are depleting our soils of necessary nutrients, many have digestive disorders that prevent them from absorbing magnesium, and many prescription medications damage the body’s ability to absorb and utilize many nutrients, including magnesium.
Magnesium has some other benefits as well:
- Help alleviate headaches
- Help improve sleep
- Calm nervous tension
- Alleviate muscle aches and spasms
- Some forms of magnesium relieve constipation
- Good for bone health
What forms of magnesium should you consider?
Magnesium Citrate – people who struggle with constipation like this form of magnesium as it can help promote regularity. Natural Calm brand makes a drinkable powder form of magnesium citrate that comes in pleasant flavors and is a good supplement to take before bed to help with sleep.
Magnesium Glycinate – for those who do not need help with bowel movements, but do have trouble relaxing or sleeping, magnesium glycinate is a good option.
Magnesium Threonate – for those experiencing cognitive difficulties such as attention and focus issues or memory problems.
Magnesium Chloride Oil – is a good option for people with digestive issues who have trouble absorbing supplements or get an upset stomach taking them internally. This is a topical oil and some athletes use it to alleviate muscle pain.
One more note: Blood tests assessing magnesium are not an accurate indicator of cellular magnesium, so if your blood test reveals “normal” magnesium levels, you still need to ensure daily intake of sufficient magnesium.
At NeuroSource, we recommend all our clients take supplemental magnesium as well as eat plenty of leafy greens, unless contraindicated due to medical conditions or prescription medications.
*The information in this article is for Educational and Entertainment purposes only and is NOT to be taken as medical advise, diagnosis, nor treatment.