Magnesium is a great mineral for our bone health, helping towards the prevention of osteoporosis. But what else can it do for us?
Do we really need it? Well, yes we definitely do, and here’s a list why:
-
Aids female hormone balance
-
Helps to build strong bones
-
Reduces tiredness and fatigue
-
Helps with anxiety
-
Lowers inflammation
-
Reduces hot flushes and mood swings
-
Can help prevent hormonal migraines
-
Reduces the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
Maybe at least one of these has caught your eye...
Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon among perimenopausal and menopausal women, however it is tricky to test. So, if you can relate to any of the symptoms above, it’s probably worth reading on.
As the years approaching menopause loom ever closer, our hormone levels drop significantly. Our bones are not the only things to suffer.
The rapid decline of our hormones are also responsible for all of the other delightful symptoms on the above list. And here's how magnesium can play a part:
Sleep
Magnesium has often been given the nickname “natures tranquiliser”, it relaxes the brain and regulates the body clock. Less magnesium equals less quality sleep.
Sleeping during the menopausal years can be problematic enough, so it makes sense to do something about that. Magnesium can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, thus promoting a much healthier sleep pattern.
Without enough sleep we suffer the knock on effects of fatigue and losing the ability to concentrate. Not great for dealing with a busy life.
Moods, anxiety and hot flushes
It is thought that low levels of magnesium can be linked to low mood, stress, anxiety and depression.
This is because magnesium is vital for brain function. Keeping the mind calm and soothed is so important in managing those feelings of irritability and keeping the worry at bay.
Although there seems to be very little research into the connection between magnesium and hot flushes, it is thought that there is a lessening effect with sufficient amounts, and since so many of us suffer with this during our transitional years, this has got to be a win?
Inflammation
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in our bodies and without enough of it we run the risk of suffering with aches and pains, muscle soreness and regular cramps. Couple this with the menopause and just like that, over night we feel like old ladies. Groaning in pain every time we stand up. If this sounds like you, then your body is probably hungering for magnesium. It is needed to relax muscles and also helps to relieve unnecessary joint pain.
This takes us nicely on to migraines. It is not uncommon for perimenopausal and menopausal women to suffer with hormonal migraines. Magnesium’s effects on inflammation alongside its ability to stabalise serotonin (the chemical that carries messages from the nerve cells to the brain receptors) can help defend against horrible migraines.
Cardiovascular Health
Magnesium deficiency can be linked to poor heart health and high risk of heart attack and stroke.
Magnesium can lower your blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
It can also help to reverse insulin resistance. This is when the cells in your muscles, liver and fat don’t respond to insulin and can’t get enough from your blood to give you energy. Your pancreas has to then work over time to make more insulin and as a result your blood sugar levels go up.
Insulin resistance is most commonly linked to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
Fortunately, magnesium rich foods will significantly benefit a healthy heart.
Unfortunately, it is hard to get enough magnesium from diet alone. When the body is under stress and the nervous system is on high alert, we actually lose a lot of magnesium through our urine.
Supplementing magnesium is recommended. The amount for adults in the UK is between 270 and 300mg. However, like with all supplements, its good to check with your GP first.
Magnesium rich foods:
- Nuts and seeds
- Barley
- Dark chocolate
- Cod
- Eggs
- Figs
- Kelp
- Legumes
- Soy beans
- Wholegrain cereals
As part of our Menopause Care Package, we have included a full size Natural Repair Magnesium Spray from the great people at Harrogate Organics.
After spraying Natural Repair Magnesium Spray onto your skin, the magnesium quickly absorbs into the skin and bypasses the digestive system, entering the tissues and blood cells directly. So if you're struggling with restless legs, muscle aches or cramps, spraying magnesium spray onto these areas can provide targeted and effective relief.
If you think this is something you'd like to try, head to our Shop to buy the Menopause Care Package for yourself or another sufferer...