Did you know that when you’re stressed your body churns through more magnesium to cope with metabolic processes in the body? Other unhealthy habits such as consuming alcohol, smoking or even a diet high in sugar, can have drastic effects on the magnesium levels in your body.
Studies show that human bodies require magnesium for more than 300 metabolic processes that we currently know of. These functions include healthy muscle and nerve function, maintaining a healthy immune system, supports cardiovascular health, bone health and even glucose levels. Magnesium also supports energy and protein production.
Magnesium deficiency points to a depletion of soil as a result of modern agriculture practices and environmental concerns across over-cultivation, heavy use of synthetic fertilisers, soil compaction, poorly drained soil, and changes to weather conditions. Fruits and vegetables once rich in magnesium are now incomplete. Even with the ‘perfect’ diet, many of us still struggle with magnesium deficiency that affects our overall health and wellbeing.
Most of us have it down pat that Magnesium is beneficial for the muscles in the body but what we fail to consider is that our organs are also functioning muscles. Our heart, lungs and kidneys, prioritise any magnesium in the body directly to supporting their functioning, essentially to keep you alive (yay, organs!). In turn this means that if you have an existing magnesium deficiency that you’re currently supplementing such as restless legs, body aches and cramps, period pain or general anxiety, your organs are likely taking that magnesium for themselves.
There is now a wide range of magnesium supplements on the market in many types such as glycinate and citrate as well as formats like powders, capsules, and liquids. Unless researched or recommended it can be quite challenging knowing which product is right for you. We do know however that even at the best of times your body is absorbing a maximum amount of magnesium between 30% and 40%. The effectiveness of your magnesium supplement largely relies on your absorption rate which then depends on many factors ranging from age, gut integrity, stomach acid levels and kidney functioning to name a few.
And so, why would your body benefit from a topical magnesium? Absorption through the skin alongside your internal supplement is a great way to direct magnesium where it needs to be exactly. As opposed to just consuming magnesium and hoping that your body allocates it where you want it to go, a cream, gel or spray can be applied to the area directly for targeted relief. If you have restless leg syndrome, then you would massage topical magnesium into your legs. If you’re suffering from period pain, then you can gently apply cream to your lower abdomen and lower back for relief. If you’re experiencing muscle tension in your neck and shoulders, massage some magnesium gel directly onto the area until completely absorbed.
Magnesium deficiency is now considered as quite common, largely without most of us even realising and can be quite detrimental to our body’s function, generating chronic inflammation that leads to a long list of extended health concerns. Many concerns I’m sure you hear your friends, family, partners, kids, colleagues, neighbours or even strangers complaining about. Mental and physical concerns such as stress, tiredness, anxiety, depression to osteopenia, sarcopenia and beyond. It’s vital that we be working with our bodies to improve our overall health and wellbeing and to educate ourselves and others of the true benefits of effective supplementation.
If any of this information resonated with you, please seek advice for your preferred health care professional and make sure you’re looking after yourself.
Abundant Natural Health is Proudly Australian Made, Own and Grown. Celebrating 100% Natural Ingredients, 99% Pure Magnesium, Sourced Sustainably from EcoMag.