Should I be taking magnesium powder?
It’s the nutrient vital for so many systems in our bodies, especially the muscles and nerves – but at least a third of us are magnesium deficient.
Marvellous magnesium. You’ve probably heard of this essential mineral but there’s every possibility you don’t realise just how important it is for your overall wellbeing.
Magnesium is found in almost all tissues of the body and helps with hundreds of important bodily processes, including those controlling how our nerves and muscles work.
It helps keep our bones and heart healthy, and plays an important role in supporting energy levels.
And if that’s not enough, it has also been found to assist in relieving pre-menstrual tension, including mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness.
Rock star mineral indeed.
Why you might need a magnesium boost
Magnesium is found naturally in foods like leafy green vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds and wholegrains.
Yet Australian Bureau of Statistics figures estimate around a third of Aussies do not meet the requirements for magnesium intake.
Signs of inadequate magnesium intake can include mild muscle spasms or cramps, restless sleep and excess nervous energy.
A poor diet, some health conditions and some medicines can contribute to a low magnesium status.
Heavy exercise can also deplete magnesium stores – so if you’re very active, you might also need more of this miracle nutrient to support your endurance and stamina.
Women aged over 18 need around 310-320mg of magnesium a day (and a little more if pregnant or breastfeeding), while men need 400-420mg.
If you are not getting enough magnesium through your diet alone, a supplement may be beneficial – particularly if you lead a busy, active life.
(Remember: magnesium supplementation helps to prevent dietary deficiency when dietary intake is inadequate.)
Why a magnesium powder?
Any cursory glance around your pharmacy will tell you there are lots of magnesium supplements available – so how do you choose the right one?
If time is a valuable commodity in your life, a magnesium powder might be just the ticket – simply mix it into a water or juice each day and job done!
Specialised powders can help enhance absorption and intestinal tolerance of magnesium. Look for a chelated magnesium, which is better absorbed by the body.
Magnesium powders that contain other supportive nutrients, such as amino acids carnitine, glutamine and taurine, may also be beneficial. B-group vitamins can help keep tiredness at bay and contribute to a healthy nervous system function, so also pair well with magnesium.
Magnesium powders can be bought in tubs or single-serve sachets and come in a range of flavours, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that suits your tastes!
* This post is brought to you by BioCeuticals.
