Magnesium is a natural mineral that we literally can’t live without—in fact, it’s a part of more than 300 critical chemical reactions in your body.
What exactly is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an electrolyte mineral. We know electrolytes come in sports drinks, but what are they? Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Many critical body processes require a tiny amount of electricity, and magnesium, among other electrolytes, supply just that.
Two-thirds of the magnesium in your body is in your bones, and the other third is in your muscles, including important involuntary muscles like your heart.
Where does it come from?
Magnesium is found in many natural foods. Pumpkin seeds have the highest concentration of magnesium, but other rich sources include green leafy vegetables like spinach, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
Some breakfast cereals are fortified with magnesium, and you’ll find it in avocados, salmon, and milk.
Here’s a rule of thumb: if a food is naturally high in fiber, it also has magnesium.
What does it do?
Magnesium is needed for a whole slew of body functions, but let’s go over just a few of them:
Muscle support
Magnesium’s partnership with calcium is crucial for the function of your muscles and nerves. Calcium helps your muscles contract, and magnesium helps them relax.
Scientific studies have confirmed that a magnesium supplement, like the one here at Santo Remedio, supports muscle relaxation.* Researchers tested whether magnesium could help alleviate nighttime leg cramps. Participants who took a 300 mg magnesium supplement daily for 6 weeks reported having fewer nighttime leg cramps than did those who had the placebo.
Bone health
Magnesium transports calcium to your bones, so it’s necessary to develop sufficient density.
Blood sugar support
Research is showing that magnesium helps regulate blood sugar. Scientists have found that magnesium deficits are often associated with type 2 diabetes. That’s not the only thing it does for your blood—it may lower blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and even help regulate your blood pressure.*
Staying in rhythm
Your body uses magnesium to convert fat and carbs into energy, and magnesium helps your heart keep a normal and steady rhythm.*
It can also minimize symptoms related to women’s menstrual cycles, such as bloating and migraines. What’s more, research suggests that it can be part of a successful treatment for anyone who suffers from migraines.*
How do you use it?
Magnesium is an essential nutrient, and adults need 320-420 mg per day. The trouble is, only 30% of adults are getting enough, so you may consider a magnesium supplement.
Does it work well with others?
Magnesium teams up with many nutrients to help you feel your best. Combining its ability to support muscle relaxation with the stress-reliever Ashwagandha can contribute to a feeling of calm and well-being.*
Another complementary nutrient is resveratrol, which is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant naturally found in many plants, such as grape skins and seeds. Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar, and resveratrol can reduce insulin resistance by helping muscles absorb and use up glucose.
In addition, resveratrol has been seen to help reduce blood cholesterol.
One study found that participants who took 350 mg of resveratrol daily for 6 months saw a 4.5% decrease of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and an 8.5% increase of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Magnesium may not get a lot of attention, but this mineral is going to work hard for your health all day, every day.
Let’s get healthier together,
Your friends at Santo Remedio
