Magnesium: The Mighty Mineral to Energise Your Life

Are you feeling run-down or stressed in your daily routine? If so, magnesium might be the unsung hero your body is missing. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a huge role in keeping us energised and functioning at our best. Yet many people in the UK don’t get enough of it. Let’s explore why magnesium matters and how boosting your intake could improve your wellbeing.

Why Magnesium Matters for Wellness

Magnesium is involved in over 300 processes in the body, making it crucial for everyday health. For one, it helps to release energy from the food we eat, keeping fatigue at bay. Magnesium also supports healthy bones and teeth by aiding calcium balance, and it ensures our muscles and nerves function normally. In simpler terms, this mineral helps keep your body relaxed and your energy levels steady, which is why it’s often called the “anti-stress” nutrient.

Low magnesium, on the other hand, can lead to some unpleasant symptoms. Fatigue, muscle cramps, or even trouble sleeping can be linked with not getting enough magnesium. In medical cases, very low magnesium (hypomagnesaemia) may cause weakness or irregular heart rhythms. The good news is that these issues are often mild and can be improved by getting your magnesium levels up.

Are You Getting Enough Magnesium?

You might be wondering if your diet provides enough of this important mineral. Magnesium is found in lots of everyday foods, especially leafy green veg, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and wholemeal bread. A hearty bowl of wholegrain cereal with seeds or a handful of spinach and almonds in your salad are great natural sources.

Even with a decent diet, however, many people in the UK fall short on magnesium. Modern eating habits - high in processed foods and low in whole foods – contribute to this shortfall. Surveys show that in the UK, about 10-15% of adults may have magnesium intakes below the recommended minimum. Young adults (especially women) are particularly prone to not hitting their magnesium targets. In fact, one study found that nearly 1 in 5 people in their twenties weren’t getting enough magnesium from food alone. Over time, even a mild lack of magnesium could leave you feeling more tired or anxious than you should be.

Boosting Your Magnesium - Diet and Supplements

Firstly, focus on magnesium-rich foods where you can. Swap white bread or rice for wholemeal bread and brown rice, snack on nuts or pumpkin seeds instead of crisps, and add a portion of green veggies (like spinach or broccoli) to your dinner. Little changes can make a big difference in your magnesium intake over time.

However, if you suspect your diet isn’t enough (and the occasional chocolate bar or takeaway does happen to all of us!), a magnesium supplement is an easy way to fill the gap. Magnesium supplements come in various forms (tablets, powders, even bath salts for soaking), and they’re generally safe and well-tolerated.

The Benefits You Can Feel

What difference can getting enough magnesium make in your daily life? Users often report feeling more energetic and less stressed once they correct a magnesium deficiency. You might notice better sleep quality, as magnesium is known to support healthy nerve function and relaxation. If you’re into fitness, sufficient magnesium can aid muscle recovery - ever had nighttime leg cramps? Magnesium could help ease those, since it plays a role in normal muscle function.

There’s even some evidence (and plenty of anecdotal stories) that magnesium helps with mood and managing headaches, although these areas are still being studied. What’s clear is that magnesium is a true multitasker: from supporting your bone health to helping reduce tiredness, it underpins many aspects of wellbeing.

Why Magnesium Bisglycinate?

Not all magnesium supplements are created equal - and that’s where magnesium bisglycinate shines. This form of magnesium is bound to glycine, a calming amino acid, which makes it easier for the body to absorb and much gentler on the stomach than some other types. That means fewer tummy troubles and better results. It’s particularly popular for those looking to support better sleep, relaxation, and stress relief, as glycine itself also promotes a calming effect. If you're someone who struggles with bloating or has a sensitive digestive system, magnesium bisglycinate is a smart, soothing choice.

Embrace the “Magic” of Magnesium

In a hectic world, magnesium is like a trusty friend helping your body cope with stress and strain. It’s not a flashy new superfood or a fad diet trick - it’s a basic mineral our bodies genuinely need to function optimally. The reality is that many of us in the UK aren’t getting enough magnesium, but it’s easy to fix with a bit of attention to diet and the smart use of supplements.

Remember, small steps count. Try adding one extra magnesium-rich food to your day and consider a daily supplement if needed. Your body will thank you with steadier energy and perhaps even a calmer mind. As always, if you have specific health concerns, have a chat with a healthcare professional.

Ready to give magnesium a go? Supporting your wellness can be as simple as a sprinkle of seeds on your breakfast and a capsule after tea. Unlock new energy and resilience by making magnesium part of your wellness routine - you might just wonder how you ever went without it!

Disclaimer: If you have any concerns about allergies or specific ingredients, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any vitamins or supplements.

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30073167/#:~:text=Reference%20Nutrient%20Intake%20,05%29%20intakes%20of%208%20micronutrients
• https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/vitamins-and-minerals/#:~:text=Magnesium
• https://www.stmarkshospital.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Oral-magnesium-supplementation.pdf#:~:text=%5BPDF%5D%20Oral%20magnesium%20supplementation%20,%28lack
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/#:~:text=Good%20sources%20of%20magnesium
• http://www.stewartnutrition.co.uk/nutritional_assesment/national_diet_and_nutrition_survey_19-64.html