Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the essential minerals our body needs and yet in the studio I regularly see the symptoms of its deficiency and recommend it as a supplement to all my clients, especially those with gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, osteoporosis, Diabetes and athlete who sweat profusely.

Magnesium is much overlooked as a supplement however is not as readily available in food any more due to soil deficiency and therefore needs to be considered.

Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 body systems that regulate protein synthesis, bone building, dna health, anti oxidation, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.

Deficiency shows up as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, cramps and weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms can occur.

Most of the Magnesium in your body is stored inside the cells or in the bones so it is tricky to measure. Even though the kidneys protect the loss of Magnesium in urine, if you are experiencing symptoms of deficiency or have a concern about your Magnesium levels please be sure to ask that your doctor testate adequately.

The best source of Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains however studies show that we only absorb 30% of what we ingest.

Supplemental Magnesium comes in many forms: as of now hydroxide, oxide, sulphate, aspartate, citrate, lactate and chloride. Let me try to explain the best ones for you.

  • Liquid Magnesium absorbs better and faster.

  • Magnesium aspartate, citrate, lactate and chloride are most common but glycerinate is the most absorbable.

  • if you experience diarrhoea you should reduce your dose or switch to a different form.

  • Magnesium is a primary ingredient in some laxatives like Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia®,

  • Magnesium is also included in some remedies for heartburn and upset stomach due to acid indigestion

Magnesium is the essential mineral most often over-looked when considering the following concerns so if you suffer from any of these please talk to your doctor or nutritionist:

High Blood Pressure, irregular heart beat, unstable blood sugar, osteoporosis, migraines, PMS.

Marjolein Brugman written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."

EATMarjolein brugmanosteoporosis, high blood pressure, magnesium, cramps, constipationComment