Magnesium: Your Ally Against Stress
How it Works
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, including those related to muscle, nerve, cardiovascular and bone health. It is one of our most essential minerals.
Stress and Magnesium
Magnesium is highly depleted by stress. A deficiency can increase headaches, muscle spasms, sleep disturbances, and body odor. Deficient individuals also often suffer from mental deficiency. Fatigue, irritability, nervousness, and difficulty concentrating are often the result of a deficiency. Magnesium is a vital anti-stress support; when left unaddressed, a magnesium deficiency can exacerbate stress symptoms.
Unfortunately, and not surprisingly, magnesium is commonly very deficient in North Americans. This is a serious problem since magnesium is vital for all functions of the human body. It is essential for maintaining proper blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as a healthy heart rate. It plays an essential role in energy production and transport. It promotes nerve signaling, prevents hypertension and diabetes, and activates enzymes responsible for digestion. Did we mention it plays a role in immunity?
It is safe to say that we could all benefit from magnesium supplementation in our fast-paced, highly stressed society. If you think you have a magnesium deficiency, don’t ignore it – talk to your doctor.
In the meantime, find ways to consume the extra magnesium your body needs through food. Look for foods naturally rich in magnesium, including nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurt, soy, legumes, spinach, okra, grains, and fish2.
Which supplement?
Magnesium supplements are an excellent solution if you still aren't getting enough of this essential mineral. Potencies typically range between 100-200 mg per dose of magnesium for a daily maximum of 500 mg. It may be best to start with a small dose (between 100 mg and 150 mg per dose and less than 350 mg per day) when starting supplementation to avoid diarrhea.
Which form to choose?
Before beginning supplementation, you should decide which form of magnesium is best for your needs. If you want to focus on supporting strong bones and teeth, try Health First Magnesium Citrate. This 150mg capsule helps prevent magnesium deficiency and promotes the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones!
Magnesium glycinate (also known as bisglycinate) is a form that naturopaths and researchers are increasingly recommending. This form of magnesium is chelated with the amino acid glycine. Magnesium glycinate has been observed to pass through the gastrointestinal tract intact, allowing for better absorption and retention in tissues and higher magnesium content in red blood cells3.
Health First offers three different strengths of a magnesium bisglycinate complex, so you can channel your inner Goldilocks to find the dose that is just right for you.
Health First Magnesium Bisglycinate 200 Supreme is the ideal solution for most people! A bisglycinate blend with 200 mg of elemental magnesium per capsule. Teens 9-18 years old can take one capsule daily, while adults 19 and older can take 1-2 capsules.
Health First Magnesium Supreme Extra Strength contains 250 mg of elemental magnesium per tablet, which is one of the highest doses on the market.
Whatever your magnesium needs, Health First has the option for you!