Chances are you have taken magnesium at some stage in your adult life. But do you know why taking this magical mineral is so great? Most people know that it’s good for muscles but magnesium is actually an essential mineral that is critical to your cell’s functioning, it is involved in over 300 bodily functions. It helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, immune function, nerve function, muscle relaxation, cognition and sleep. So you can see why it’s super important that we ensure we are consuming enough magnesium and consider supplementing when necessary.

So how do we know when supplementing might be necessary? To test your levels a red blood cell test needs to be done as most magnesium is found in bones and soft tissue not blood. This test can be done through your obliging doctor or Naturopath and most commonly comes at a cost.

Another great way to know if Magnesium deficiency might be something you need to think about is to look for signs and symptoms the body might be giving you. Are you suffering from headaches or migraines, leg cramps, blood pressure dysregulation, twitching eyes, intense PMS symptoms or irregular heartbeat.

Menstrual cramps are quiet a common symptom of menses that women in my clinic complain of. It is often considered a normal and unavoidable part of getting your period.

Menstrual cramps are caused by hormone like substances called prostaglandins.

Did you know Magnesium has been shown to be more effective than placebo in positively helping lower prostaglandins and reducing associated menstrual cramps.

The type (form) of magnesium that you take can determine how effective it is at reducing the cramps. You may experience some digestive side effects such as loose stool but with the right dose and form you will be on the road to a pain free period.

The increase in prostaglandins can cause loose stool. Ever notice you often get loose stool around day 1 (first day of bleed) of your cycle? That can be the rise in prostaglandins. Add a poor form of magnesium and it can make diarrhoea worse.

Consult with a Naturopath or Nutritionist when choosing the best form to buy so you can say farewell to menstrual cramps.

It can be effective to take Magnesium at night to aid a better sleep or to increase the dose in the lead up to your bleed.

Magnesium deficiency is commonly due to poor diet full of refined and processed foods, not enough real rainbow goodness, drinking excess alcohol, getting older, stress, exercise, sweating and taking certain medications.

To boost the magnesium in your diet, think about upping the green leafy veg, nuts and seeds and maybe even some good quality dark 80% chocolate. Now you’re talking!!!!

Despite all the best efforts with diet, the need to supplement can still prevail. There may be issues with absorption including a lack of the mineral in the actual foods we are eating. A lack of magnesium in the soil we grow our foods in could also be playing a part.

Listen to your body and if it’s giving you some little messages make sure you give it what its needs.