Magnesium is an absolute wonder mineral. It has so many different functions within the body, and so very many of us are deficient in it. Including me! I’ve been on magnesium for years and years. It helps me sleep better, recover better from exercise, helps reduce stress, and alleviates a chronic eye twitch.

Before I dive into the many benefits, here’s a quick survey you can run yourself through to determine whether or not you are magnesium deficient:

Regular muscle cramps and twitches?
Anxiety?
Irregular heart rhythm?
Regular headaches?
High blood pressure?
Asthma?
Poor memory?
Insomnia?
Dysmenorrhea (really bad period cramps)?
Adrenal fatigue?
Poor memory?

Did you answer yes to any of these? If so, you may be deficient in magnesium.

Magnesium is the 4th most abundant mineral in the body and is involved in about 300 different biochemical reactions in your body. However, up to 90% of us are deficient in magnesium because of soil depletion from over-farming and pesticide use, poor gut function, poor nutrition, high levels of stress, and medications that can reduce magnesium

Magnesium can be tested via the blood by doing a test called RBC magnesium, but a trial of magnesium can also be done to determine if it is beneficial for you without doing any testing.

There are many different forms of magnesium on the market. In fact, I spend a lot of my time in clinic sussing out whether or not a patient is taking the right kind of magnesium, and whether or not the dosage is correct.

You can get magnesium from your diet from greens like spinach, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, avocado, figs, and bananas, but It can often be hard to get enough.

Fun fact? Did you know that when you crave chocolate (especially near your period) you are often craving magnesium!

Malate, glycinate, and citrate are the most well-absorbed forms. Malate is typically used in cases of fibromyalgia, glycinate is used for a broad range of magnesium deficiency conditions, and citrate is often used to alleviate constipation.

Active doses of magnesium are 400-500mg, but this can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.

I'd be happy to help you determine whether or not you are in need off magnesium. Bring it up at your next visit, or come on in for 15-minute complimentary meet & greet if you aren't one of my patients just yet.

Please Note: Before beginning any supplement, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.