Have you ever been told you should take some magnesium after working out to help with muscle pain? If you’re like me, you probably scoffed at the idea. I’m that person who makes it to the gym when I can (let’s not get into numbers here), but I am hardly an avid gym goer. I never considered the need to supplement it considering my very low weight-lifting threshold. Then I discovered all the wonderful benefits it actually offers, and low and behold, these apply to the non-pro-weight-lifting champions…ie the people like me. As you would expect, magnesium plays an important role when it comes to supporting muscle function, but also nerve function and energy production and so much more as well. In fact, it’s the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, but our body doesn’t produce it. That means it is up to us to eat the right things (no pressure!).
What Is Magnesium?
This abundant mineral in your body is required to help it function correctly. From producing energy to building important proteins, such as DNA, it’s important! Low levels of magnesium in our bodies is linked to health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Not only this, but it has been shown that about 50% of people in Western countries, aren’t getting enough of this mineral. A huge 50%!
It is possible to get enough of the mineral into you through your diet, with foods such as nuts, leafy greens, legumes and seeds. But some people do need a supplement to help out.
Benefits Of Magnesium
The benefits of magnesium are far and wide. It’s an essential mineral that helps us function on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at just some of the benefits it offers us:
- Lower blood pressure: supplementing with magnesium has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels.
- Good for bone health: while calcium is a known hero for bone health, magnesium actually also plays a role. It helps to regulate the calcium and vitamin D levels to aid in the process.
- Alleviate PMS: yes, you read that right ladies. Magnesium is known to help with the symptoms of PMS. Small scale studies have been carried out that suggest it can reduce bloating, mood symptoms, and breast tenderness.
- Boost your exercise performance: it does indeed play a role in the gym. Magnesium helps to move your blood sugar into your muscles and get rid of the lactate which builds up in exercise and causes fatigue.
- Diabetes: low magnesium is linked with a high risk for type 2 diabetes. It is believed to play a crucial role in glucose control and insulin metabolism.
- Heart health: your body actually needs magnesium to maintain the healthy muscles of the heart. If you are lacking this important mineral, it can result in a high risk of heart problems. In fact, those who receive magnesium after a heart attack have a lower risk of mortality.
- Fights depression: magnesium plays a role in brain function and mood. If you have low levels in your body it can put you at risk of depression.
- Helps with insomnia: ever lie awake at night willing yourself to go to sleep? You’re not alone. Magnesium relaxes your muscles and help to shut your mind off so you can drift off into a peaceful slumber.
- Headaches: magnesium is also believed to help with those pesky headaches that visit from time to time. Low magnesium is believed to result in a restriction of the blood vessels that can lead to migraines.
How To Enjoy The Benefits Of Magnesium
Now we know just how great magnesium is, it’s time to make sure you are getting enough of it. It’s not just about what you put in your mouth either, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the benefits magnesium has to offer.
- Bath salts: who doesn’t love a good hot soak after a long, hard day? These bath flakes are much from pure Magnesium Chloride flakes and they are a great way to help you unwind at the end of the day. If you struggle with your slumber, it’s the perfect routine to help shut your mind off and prepare it for sleeper.
- Another great idea to help at night is employing the use of a magnesium oil spray. It’s 100% natural and can help prepare your body for sleep. You can spray it all over your body before settling in for the night.
- This Magnesium Sleep Lotion and Gel Roll-On are fabulous ways to relax and unwind after a busy day. You can reap all the benefits, while encouraging your mind to close for a restful night’s sleep.
Turns out, magnesium is a great option after a workout… so instead of scoffing the idea like me, think of all the health benefits it can offer and enjoy a little relief from those aching muscles. You deserve it!