What's Magnesium all about?

Magnesium is one of many essential minerals. It's actually an electrolyte which means its very important for muscle contraction and hydration. Magnesium contributes to more than 600 body functions and and processes. It is required by almost every cell in the body, with a particular focus on muscles and the nervous system. Some of the bodily functions that require magnesium are energy production, gene maintenance, calcium absorption, fluid distribution, hormone regulation, sleep, stress and nervous system maintenance including anxiety.

Magnesium also helps replace your red blood cells, which are responsible for giving your body oxygen during a workout. If we are unwell or overworking our body, we naturally need good levels of red blood cells to help fight infection and for healthy cell production.

If you are recovering from injury or surgery, magnesium is your best friend as it is a natural anti inflammatory and will assist to reduce pain and tension. Magnesium is also one of the most effective minerals for slow bowel function or constipation and headaches and muscle cramps including the heart conditions (the heart is a muscle remember!)

Magnesium is found in many natural foods. You can find it in spinach, quinoa, whole grains, cashews, almonds, and more. Here's more of the best foods, rich in magnesium:

• Pumpkin seeds

• Spinach

• Peanuts

• Cereal/shredded wheat

• Edamame

• Yogurt

• Baked potato with skin

• Brown rice

• Bananas

It's very common these days to find someone who could benefit from increasing their magnesium levels. This is easily done by using an oral magnesium supplement in tablet or powder form. Otherwise applying magnesium oil to the body and absorbing it transdermally (via the skin) is a very effective way to absorb it and bypass the digestive tract. This is also handy for anyone who is already taking other supplements orally and not keen to add any more to the list.

Magnesium is very safe to use for most people but best to get proper advice from a naturopath or nutritionist if you are needing it for bowel function or if you are pregnant.

Contact me if you need more information. I make and stock my own magnesium oil as well as prescribe it often for patients who need it as an oral supplement to support their health.