Magnesium - The supplement that brought me back to life
It was recently suggested to me, by my holistic doctor, Dr Leila Sadien, that I start taking a Magnesium supplement. I had heard about the benefits of Magnesium but never felt like that was “necessary” for me.
But after taking the supplement for just a few days, I started noticing an incredible difference in my body, my mood, my sleeping patterns and (you know how much I love talking about this) my bowel movements. And I have to tell you guys…It honestly feels like magic!
I went to see Leila because I had been feeling genuinely out of sorts. I had been feeling physically “tight” and achy in my body, which I chalked up to having had to deal with recent work stress and a difficult situation with a colleague. I wasn’t sleeping well and felt endlessly tired and anxious especially in the mornings, upon waking. I was congested, which I thought was just seasonal. And was constipated, which well…is kind of “normal” for me.
Leila suggested Biomax Magnesium Citrate supplements. It’s a powdered formula that I could blend into any drink, or just mix with water and drink up. My favourite way to enjoy it is to make a cup of rooibos before bed and blend the powder into the tea with some almond milk and honey. It’s a delicious little nighttime treat.
And, the results have been really quite dramatic. I fall asleep easily – which has always been a problem for me. I sleep soundly, without waking up at all during the night anymore, and feel so well-rested in the morning. I feel significantly “brighter” in the morning, less anxious and dreading the day ahead. My body feels naturally ready for elimination soon after waking up and (yep, we’re about to get graphic), I don’t feel like I have to force it much at all. This has been the most amazing benefit because constipation has really been such a challenge for me my whole life really – I can’t tell you what a relief it is. Pun intended, lol.
So, it turns out, I was Magnesium deficient and didn’t know it. And, probably wouldn’t have known, had I not gone to see a holistic Dr.
Some obvious signs of deficiency are:
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or other irregular sleeping patterns
Fatigues, often as a result of the difficulties with sleep
Muscle tightness, cramping, and twitches, aches, and pains throughout the body
Digestive trouble, like constipation, bloating and cramping, irregular bowel movements
Mood swings that can lead to anxious and depressed feelings
More severe PMS and menstrual discomfort
Frequent headaches or migraines
Brain fog, trouble with memory and concentration
I have to make a huge caveat here:
Our bodily functions don’t operate in silo’s and the above signs may be due to many other things, not necessarily a magnesium deficiency. But, awareness of these signs allows us to be empowered with information and hopefully urges us to get the medical assistance we require to figure out exactly what’s up. Go get yourself checked out, my friend!
So why all the fuss about magnesium? It’s considered the “anti-stress” macro-mineral. It’s basically like our bodies own natural tranquilizer and helps to relax our muscles, ease the muscles in our digestive tract and help other minerals in our bodies function optimally. Most importantly, calcium.
Magnesium is essential in helping absorb and metabolize calcium and when the two are balanced, it helps prevent high blood pressure, reduce anxiety, muscle and menstrual cramps, and insomnia. Magnesium’s biggest benefit is its importance in the production of energy and ensuring overall heart health, helping prevent cardiac issues like heart attacks.
We can get some magnesium from food, like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and some legumes. But because of compromised agricultural challenges, by the time these foods reach our fridges, pantry, and plates, the mineral is significantly reduced or even non-existent.
Now, not all Magnesium is the same. The key types and benefits are:
Magnesium chloride: Is the most popular source of the supplement, helping to aid better sleep, digestion, bone health, and anxiety
Magnesium sulfate: Is another popular source, most commonly known as Epsom Salts. It’s great for muscle relaxation. In supplement form, it’s ingested for its laxative effects.
Magnesium citrate: The form of Magnesium that was recommended to me, is derived from citric acid. It naturally supports digestion, easing constipation. Because it helps to pull hydration into the intestines, it can result in dehydration. All the more reason to drink your 2Ls a day
Magnesium oxide: Is of the least powerful forms of Magnesium. It’s most commonly found in milk of magnesia and can be helpful to gently improve digestion, given its very light concentration.
Magnesium glycinate: Is the type of Magnesium best used for naturally supporting anxiety, muscle relaxation, and relieving constipation
Another caveat: Don’t self-diagnose! Find a Dr you trust, whose approach to health is more preventative and holistic. Get a comprehensive blood test done, and go from there.
Happy discoveries!
