ARE YOU AT RISK?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Despite its importance, many people are deficient in this mineral, which can lead to a host of health problems. In this article, we'll explore the critical importance of magnesium for optimal health and why taking magnesium bisglycinate may be the best form of supplementation.
THE MANY ROLES OF MAGNESIUM IN THE BODY
Magnesium is involved in over 600 enzyme reactions in the body, making it essential for a wide range of physiological processes. Some of the most important roles of magnesium include maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and brain function, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and supporting the electrical activity of the heart. Magnesium also plays a role in making protein, bone, and DNA, and it is essential for the proper absorption and metabolism of other key nutrients such as Vitamin D.
MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY: A GROWING PROBLEM
Despite its importance, many people are deficient in magnesium. According to some estimates, up to 50 percent of the US population may be deficient in this mineral. This is largely due to a combination of factors, including poor dietary choices, modern lifestyle factors such as excess alcohol, caffeine, and stress, along with industrial agricultural practices which deplete magnesium levels in our soil. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome can also increase the need for magnesium, while certain medications can result in low magnesium levels.
In the past, our ancestors were able to obtain adequate levels of magnesium from natural water sources. However, due to industrialization, urbanization, and other human activities, the levels of magnesium in the water have decreased significantly.
Acid blockers, also known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can also cause low magnesium levels by inhibiting the absorption of magnesium in the gut. This is because acid blockers decrease the amount of stomach acid, which is necessary for the proper absorption of minerals such as magnesium. Long-term use of acid blockers can lead to a significant decrease in magnesium levels and increase the risk of deficiency-related health problems.
SUPPLEMENTING WITH MAGNESIUM
While there are many magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate, beans, and dark leafy greens, it can be difficult to get the appropriate levels through food alone due to the depletion of magnesium in the soil where fruits and vegetables are grown. Additionally, some foods promoted as rich sources of magnesium may be hard to digest, resulting in low bioavailability (or absorption). Remember – simply consuming food that contains magnesium, or any other nutrient, does not guarantee that it will be absorbed and utilized by the body.
When considering supplementation, the most bioavailable forms of magnesium are those that are bound to other compounds, such as chelates. Chelates help to shuttle the magnesium across the lining of the gut and promote better absorption into the bloodstream.
When it comes to supplementing with magnesium, the type of magnesium you take matters (unless you’re super into wasting money). Many forms of magnesium, such as magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide, are poorly absorbed and may not provide the full benefits of this important mineral. Magnesium bisglycinate is one of the most absorbable forms of magnesium, and it has several advantages over other forms.
One of the main benefits of magnesium bisglycinate is its superior absorption. This is due to the fact that it is bound to glycine, an amino acid that increases its solubility. Additionally, because it has two glycine molecules attached to it, it tends to have less of a laxative effect than other forms of magnesium. This is important because magnesium can cause diarrhea if taken in high doses, which can be avoided by switching to magnesium bisglycinate.
Another added benefit of glycine is that it acts as a neurotransmitter that provides relaxation and stress reduction for the body, making this form a good choice for pre-bedtime supplementation to support restful sleep.
MY CONCLUSION
Magnesium is a critical nutrient for optimal health, and many people may not be getting enough of this mineral in their diet. Supplementing with magnesium bisglycinate is an effective way to boost magnesium levels and enjoy all of the benefits that this mineral has to offer. However, people with kidney disease or severe heart disease should consult a doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
Want to know if supplementing with magnesium is right for you? Schedule a call with me and take the first step towards optimal health. During the call, we’ll discuss your dietary habits, medical history, and any current health concerns to determine if supplementing with magnesium could be beneficial for you.