The Incredible Health Benefits of Magnesium Supplements (and Supplement Shopping Guide)

Why you need magnesium.
The Incredible Health Benefits of Magnesium Supplements (and Supplement Shopping Guide)
Have you ever considered the benefits of magnesium supplements?
Are you sick of feeling anxious all the time?
Do you have boundless energy, or does your battery usually feel a little low?
Because doctors rarely test for magnesium deficiency, you may be low on magnesium and not even know it.
Considering all of magnesium’s health benefits, this isn’t a good thing.
But magnesium does more than just reduce anxiety and increase energy production.
It also plays a major role in over 300 chemical reactions in the body.
That’s right…magnesium matters.
In this article, we cover the health benefits of magnesium supplements and help you pick the supplement that’s right for you.
Here’s everything you need to know before shopping for magnesium:

What Is Magnesium?

Magnesium is an electrolyte: a mineral that the body uses to conduct electricity.
It’s one of the most important nutrients in the body because it has so many different jobs.

Why You Need Magnesium Supplements

Why is magnesium so important?
Here are just a few of magnesium’s functions:
  • Supporting nerve health
  • Improving muscle coordination
  • Strengthening bones
  • Controlling blood pressure
  • Regulating stomach acid
  • Preventing constipation
  • Supporting the developing fetus
  • Balancing nitric oxide levels
Believe it or not, magnesium is incredibly important to all life on Earth.
Not only do animals need it to survive, but plants use it to make energy from the sun.
When it comes down to it, magnesium is one of the most essential minerals on the planet.
So why is magnesium deficiency such a big issue?

Why Magnesium Deficiency Is So Common

Here just a few of the reasons why magnesium deficiency is so common:
  • For one, too many people take prescription drugs and antibiotics. These medications destroy gut bacteria and damage the digestive system.
  • Secondly, digestive disorders like IBS can prevent magnesium absorption.
  • Finally, most of the soil that plants grow it is low in magnesium (thanks to industrial farming). As a result, most fruits and vegetables don’t contain very much magnesium.
Thankfully, there are plenty of high-quality magnesium supplements to make up for it…

Health Benefits of Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium is a “Jack-of-all-trades.”
In other words, it plays a major role in a variety of processes, and you’d be in rough shape without it.
Here are some of the major health benefits of magnesium supplements:

1. Magnesium Supplements Reduce Anxiety and Promotes Relaxation

The brain needs magnesium to make important chemicals that reduce anxiety. (1)
In fact, magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia and increase stress hormone production.

2. Magnesium Supplements Treat Constipation

Many forms of magnesium have laxative effects.
If you can’t go #2, magnesium can help by relaxing the walls of the intestines. (2)

3. Magnesium Supplements Increase Energy

Although magnesium can be sedative right after you take it, in the long run it reduces fatigue.
This is because the cells use magnesium to create energy by making something called ATP.
When you’re low on magnesium, it’s especially easy to get tired during exercise. (3)
Other magnesium supplement benefits:
Prevents osteoporosis
Helps you fall asleep
Reduces migraines
Treats muscle soreness
Regulates electrolyte levels
Supports heart health

Which Magnesium Supplements Are Right for You?

Are you ready to shop for magnesium supplements?
Before you head to the supplement store, you’ll want to read this section first.
Honestly, there are enough choices to make your head spin.
For example, magnesium glycinate is ideal for treating severe magnesium deficiency.
On the other hand, magnesium citrate is best for treating constipation.
Here’s your ultimate magnesium shopping guide:

1. Magnesium Citrate

Are you having problems with constipation?
If so, then magnesium citrate is the best option.
But be careful not to take too much.
High doses of magnesium citrate can cause diarrhea.
This type of magnesium is also great for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

2. Magnesium Glycinate

Unlike magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate is less likely to have a laxative effect.
It promotes sleep, relaxation, and reduces anxiety.
What makes magnesium glycinate so relaxing?
Because it contains glycine: an amino acid with calming properties.
When you put magnesium and glycine together, they reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
On top of this, magnesium glycinate is very easy for the body to absorb.
For this reason, it’s great for people who know they have a magnesium deficiency.

3. Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate is ideal for people who are sensitive to stronger forms.
If magnesium citrate gives you diarrhea, then magnesium malate is worth a try.
In addition, it’s great for reducing fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.
Magnesium malate contains malic acid: a type of acid that helps the cells produce energy.
Furthermore, magnesium malate is the perfect magnesium to take after a hard workout because it reduces muscle soreness.

4. Magnesium Chloride Oil

Some forms of magnesium, like magnesium chloride, can be absorbed through the skin.
In fact, athletes use it to dull pain, heal wounds, and treat skin irritation.
This is the best form of magnesium for people who have trouble absorbing nutrients through the gut.

5. Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salt)

Otherwise known as epsom salt, magnesium sulfate is another option for absorbing magnesium through the skin.
If you want to have a relaxing evening, trying taking an epsom salt bath.
Epsom salt baths are calming and help remove toxins from the skin.

6. Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is another option for people with severe constipation.
For example, magnesium oxide is best if you go #2 less than once a day.
But be careful, out of all the types magnesium, it’s the most likely to cause diarrhea if you take too much.

7. Magnesium Threonate

Magnesium threonate is very easy for the body to absorb, and it’s the best magnesium for learning and memory.
In fact, magnesium threonate may even help treat Alzheimer’s disease. (4)
Unfortunately, it’s not a common ingredient in supplements.
Hopefully, as researchers discover more about it, it will become more widely used.

When Is the Best Time to Take Magnesium Supplements?

Because magnesium can be sedative in the short term, the best time to take it is before bed.
However, another option is to split doses by taking half in the morning and half in the evening.
If you have any more questions about magnesium supplements, our providers at Complete Care Health Centers are happy to help.
Feel free to contact us today for help finding the best magnesium supplements.
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