Health Benefits of Magnesium

I remember constantly replacing magnesium and potassium for patients when I worked as a floor nurse. But I never stopped and asked “why are they so depleted in the first place?”

When we stop to ask “why,” we learn how important magnesium is in our God designed bodies.

This critical mineral is actually responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all of your tissues — but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain.

Low magnesium levels can worsen anxiety because magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for mood regulation, and when magnesium levels are low, the balance of these neurotransmitters can be disrupted. Additionally, magnesium helps to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (I have entire post on this system if it’s new for you!)which is involved in the body’s stress response.

When magnesium levels are low, the HPA axis can become overactive, leading to increased anxiety and stress.

Unfortunately many people walk around depleted of this mineral.

The reason we are so deficient?

Chronic stress (both emotionally and physically) depletes our magnesium stores.

In addition, magnesium levels are also depleted by excess alcohol, coffee, phosphoric acid in colas, profuse sweating, prolonged or intense stress, chronic diarrhea, excessive menstruation, diuretics (water pills), antibiotics and other drugs, and some intestinal parasites.

Our soil also is not what it use to be.

To properly absorb magnesium, we need a lot of it in our diet, plus enough vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin D, and selenium to get the job done.

What can you do?

Choose targeted supplements.

I personally recommend forms like Magnesium Glycinate. One of my favorites is Mag Soothe by Jigsaw Health. You can save money and receive high quality supplements by using my online Fullscript Dispensary.

Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is a good way to absorb and get much needed magnesium or using topical creams, magnesium deodorants, or sprays. I personally love Earthleys bedtime magnesium lotion.

Increase your consumption of magnesium rich foods.

Food sources of Magnesium include:

• Dark chocolate

  Dark chocolate is a power source of nutrients! It is also very rich in magnesium, with 65 mg in a 1-ounce (oz.), or 28-gram (g), serving, which is about 15% of the DV.

  Dark chocolate is also in high in iron, copper, and manganese and contains prebiotic fiber that can help feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

• Pumpkin seeds 1 oz = 168 mg

• Cashews: 1 oz =83mg

• Black beans 1 cup = 120mg

Lower your chronic stress. Chronic stress depletes you of magnesium (and other electrolytes). This is known as a magnesium burn rate. Addressing chronic stress is essential. I have an entire course on this through a Biblical lens here.

If you found this helpful, like this post subscribe to our site to never miss a post!