One of the limitations of modern living is that we have lesser clarity on making smarter food choices. In earlier times, food was more natural, less processed, easily available locally and always fresh. Today, our lifestyle has changed drastically and our food habits and diets tend more towards convenience, pleasure and taste. Due to globalization we have become more aware of cuisines from around the world.
Since the 18th century there has been a greater focus on the connection between health and nutrition. In the early 19th century vitamin supplements became popular and soon, individual vitamins were isolated and available commercially. Many of these are still easily accessible as over the counter products.
The shift to plant-based vitamin and mineral supplements occurred in the 20th century, and today, concepts such as “superfood” are regularly used to describe a variety of products. These are available in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, herbal products, food-supplements, organic compounds and more. In the journey towards wellness, there has been immense collaboration between cultural and ethnic folklore, science, medicine and health and wellness professionals across the globe.
One of the trending supplements today is magnesium, and as you become aware of its all-round benefits, it’s important to know why it is trending as the #1 Self-care product across the world.
Magnesium and Self Care
It is important to consult your physician before you begin taking magnesium supplements on a regular basis. It can improve your general health and mood, promote immunity and ensure that your digestive, heart and skeletal systems stay in top condition.
Magnesium supplements are easily available in most pharmacies, health-food stores and wellness establishments. These supplements are available under different labels such as magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate or magnesium oxidate. They are largely similar but may have certain side-effects. Magnesium citrate promotes bowel movements, so it’s great if you suffer from constipation, but not otherwise as it can cause diarrhea in some people.
Some types of magnesium are available as salts that can be used in your bath or as a foot-soak. This is available in the form of flakes or in combination as in magnesium chloride. These bath salts are available at Rest and Digest - an informative website with plenty of self care ideas and resources. You will experience relaxation and pain relief after a leisurely bath with these products. Your skin tone and brightness will improve considerably after a magnesium bath.
In general, the average person needs up to 500mg of magnesium daily, but remember to calculate all the possible sources of the mineral. You may be getting it from your food, supplements and also absorbing it from topical application.
Why Magnesium?
Let’s dive a little deeper into this miracle supplement. Magnesium is a natural mineral, and one of the important products that humans need for their health and survival. It is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions within our bodies that control essential functions such as controlling blood-pressure, regulating sugar, maintaining nerve and bone health, cardiac rhythm regulation, and also helps in the production of proteins and carbs.
You can get the necessary amount of magnesium provided you follow a normal, balanced diet. It is available naturally in fruits, leaf vegetables, milk, nuts, legumes and whole grains. However, the issue today is that our consumption of these fresh and wholesome foods has reduced considerably, creating the need for magnesium supplements to maintain our health and strength.
Magnesium Benefits
Being an electrolyte similar to sodium or potassium, magnesium has a crucial role to play in your daily life. It improves the quantity and quality of sleep, and helps to regulate your mood. Scientists have also observed its involvement in reducing migraine and anxiety headaches, menstrual cramps and hormone related conditions such as depression.
On a deeper level it can maintain and repair your genetic functions and structure. For sportspersons, magnesium promotes the release of energy and reduces fatigue while speeding up recovery from muscle and ligament damage.
Scientists have also flagged the role of magnesium in anti-aging and longevity. It reduces inflammation and cell damage, both of which are factors that result in chronic diseases and aging.
If you suffer from painful menstruation, excessive bleeding, cramps, depression and anxiety, taking magnesium supplements can significantly reduce these conditions. People who suffer from migraine have found great relief by taking magnesium supplements during an attack. Migraine headaches cause great pain and debilitating weakness for days and regular consumption of magnesium supplements can work as a preventive too.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency generally doesn’t show up until it reaches low levels. In the early stages of deficiency, you may feel tired, experience muscle cramps and spasms or even an irregular heart rhythm. Loss of appetite is another warning sign. You may feel numbness or tingling in the extremities or your migraine headaches become more intense and more frequent.
In severe cases, lack of magnesium in the body shows up as lowered calcium levels and bone density or as lowered potassium levels. Both these conditions affect longevity and health.
If you suffer from celiac disease (gluten allergy), diabetes or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), your magnesium levels could get lowered. In such cases, it’s wise to get a regular check done for magnesium level in the body.
