Are you getting enough magnesium? The top benefits of this important essential mineral

Magnesium is an essential mineral for our nutrition, and is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in our bodies.

It is a macro-mineral, along with calcium, sodium and potassium. Unlike trace elements, all four of the macro-minerals are needed in the large amounts in the body. It is the second most abundant element inside human cells and must be supplied by our food intake.

Magnesium is also responsible to help maintain the proper levels of calcium, potassium and zinc and is used in many processes of the body as is termed a co-factor.

Why your body needs magnesium

Your heart, muscles and kidneys all require magnesium to work effectively. Bone and teeth structure and strength also depends on the magnesium.

Without this vital mineral, we would not be able to produce energy, our muscles would be in in a permanent state of contraction and our body systems would not be able to adjust or respond to the levels of cholesterol in our blood.

Magnesium is vital in glucose and fat breakdown, and also in the production of proteins, enzymes and antioxidants. Without this crucial co-factor (and other) reactions within our body, there can be strong impacts on our body’s level of performance and health.

Magnesium is also a major component in having a good night’s sleep. Magnesium is known to help you stay asleep once you fall asleep. Taking a magnesium supplement an hour before bed can help you stay asleep through the night.

How to get more magnesium in your diet

Magnesium is found naturally in many of the foods we eat. However, most adults are not able to consume enough magnesium due of the high amount of processed foods consumed.

Although it is rare to have a magnesium deficiency, it is best to try to incorporate natural products and foods into you diet that have higher levels of magnesium.

The best natural sources of magnesium are:

• Spinach
• Whole wheat products
• Nuts: Almonds, Cashews and Peanuts
• Quinoa
• Avocado
• Dark Chocolate
• Tofu
• Black Beans

Eating a clean and natural diet is the ideal way to obtain the essential vitamins and minerals needed. But in reality, this is not always possible.  Talk with your health care providers to see if adding magnesium to your daily supplement routine would benefit to you.

Movement Performance & Health is partnered with Metagenics Canada. Metagenics uses evidence-based formulas for all their products which have high absorption rates in our bodies.  

To learn more about MetaRelax™ and order online, visit the Metagenics online store.