Magnesium is one of nature's powerhouse minerals, but up to 75% of Americans are deficient. While there are dietary sources of magnesium such as dark leafy greens like spinach and swiss chard, quinoa, cheese, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tempeh, and organic non-GMO tofu, in general it's difficult to get enough magnesium through diet alone. Supplements are a great way to make sure you get what you need to feel your best, and we're breaking down why it's so important to keep your magnesium levels up.
1. You'll sleep better. Melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, doesn't work when we're magnesium deficient. Magnesium also helps your heart rate lower when it's time to get some much-needed rest.
2. It can help with diabetes. Magnesium plays a key role in blood sugar regulation, and most people with Type 2 diabetes also report low magnesium levels.
Read more about magnesium and diabetes here
3. It'll keep you regular. Magnesium can help combat digestive issues by relaxing muscles in the digestive tract while also making sure everything moves through the intestines as it should.
4. You'll be properly hydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle cramps, increased heart rate and rapid breathing. Magnesium is also an essential electrolyte that aids in avoiding dehydration by regulating your potassium levels.
5. It's necessary for strong bones. Magnesium is as important for strong, healthy bones as calcium. They are both essential to bone formation, and can also help prevent osteoporosis.
6. You'll loosen up. Tight muscles and cramping are a common indicator of low magnesium levels. They can also physically contribute to stress by putting the panic in a fight or flight state. Magnesium can help your muscles relax and allow you to move more comfortably.
7. It helps manage stress and anxiety. Magnesium helps regulate the release of stress hormones, and it also plays a pivotal role in the creation of happiness hormones like serotonin. Adequate magnesium levels are key in keeping your stress and anxiety levels in check.
8. You'll have less migraines. If you're plagued by migraine headaches, reach for the magnesium. It helps promote blood circulation and also releases pain-relieving hormones.
Read more about magnesium here
Magnesium is involved in the function of over 350 enzyme systems, and has an especially noticeable impact on things like stress, sleep, and anxiety. If you're feeling a bit tense, it might be time to look at your magnesium levels.
Editor's Note: We recommend a high-quality magnesium supplement like Natural Calm, from our partner Natural Vitality. Natural Calm is the # 1 selling magnesium supplement in the natural products industry and has been highly reviewed in third party testing.
