What is Magnesium? The mineral everyone's talking about!

Magnesium has been a real buzzword lately for helping people get to sleep, and improving energy levels throughout the day.

It’s a mineral that is essential for everyone and has many benefits, however many of us do not get enough of it through our diet.

So, should you be taking it? Here is everything you need to know about magnesium.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral involved in the function of many aspects of the body. This includes energy production, protein synthesis, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

It is found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, fish, seeds and whole grains. The daily recommended magnesium intake for men is 300mg and 270mg for women. As many of us don’t get enough of the mineral through the food we eat we can opt for taking magnesium through supplements.

@audreyskn Replying to @laura💘 magnesium is essential for calming your nervous system, easing anxiety, and improving sleep quality. the best time to take it is 1–2 hours before bed to relax and prepare your body. if you want to wake up before your alarm feeling brand new, it might be worth looking into 🤭 not medical advice—consult your doctor before taking #magnesiumbenefits #health #thatgirl #hormonebalance #magnesiumglycinate ♬ original sound – Audrey

The benefits of Magnesium

Sleep: Magnesium is essential for the functioning of energy levels and low levels of the mineral may lead to fatigue throughout the day.

This in turn may cause you to take a nap or fuel your body with caffeine which may keep you up at night and disrupt your circadian rhythm. Magnesium has also been shown to help regulate melatonin which helps with sleep.

Bone health: Magnesium aids the absorption of calcium, which is essential for the health of your bones and for maintaining bone density as you get older. It also prevents diseases such as osteoporosis.

Joint and muscle pain: Magnesium can help ease pain and tightness in your joints and muscles as it is proven that the mineral relaxes them.

Relaxation: Epsom salts, magnesium sprays and lotions all contain the mineral which helps release the body’s sleep hormone and can ease tightness in the muscles.

How to make sure you’re getting enough Magnesium

Making an effort to include magnesium-rich foods into your diet is the best way to ensure you are getting a decent dose of the mineral. However, there are many ways to increase your magnesium intake.

You can do this through supplements which are typically in a capsule or liquid form, or through body sprays and lotions. These can be found in pharmacies and health stores nationwide and are usually quite affordable.