Most health professionals understand the critical, life-saving importance of magnesium. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is needed for virtually every reaction in the body. Just a few functions that depend on magnesium include:
- Maintaining normal muscle and nerve function [1]
- Keeping a healthy immune system [2]
- Maintaining normal heart rhythm [3]
- Building strong bones [4]
- And lowering cortisol levels [5]
The last one, which relates to cortisol and stress, is of special importance right now—due to historically high levels of anxiety in the general population. In the study on stress and cortisol—the researchers were quoted as saying, “magnesium status [i.e. whether enough is present] is highly associated with stress levels.”
Given the connection between magnesium and stress resilience—and how we know stress is a proven factor in a long list of chronic conditions—ensuring adequate magnesium levels is one of single most important things one can do for his or her health.
Why More Magnesium Isn’t Always the Solution
Magnesium supplements, vitamins, and fortified foods are nothing new—especially since American soil became depleted and up to 80% of the population has been shown to be deficient in this essential mineral. The problem, however, is that just focusing on “more magnesium” without the right types is problematic, for at least seven different reasons.
Because the TRUTH is, magnesium comes in a variety of forms—with each form being a key that opens a different lock in your body.
Here’s where the opportunity lies for you and your patients/clients. Because the reality is, most people only get 1-2 forms at best—and often not in adequate amounts or bioavailable forms. However, when the body finally gets all 7 major forms of magnesium, a wide range of benefits can be observed. Let’s review the 7 main forms and the many benefits evidenced by the research:
Magnesium Chelate — This form is especially important for muscle building, recovery, and health [6]
Magnesium Citrate — This form helps with the effects of obesity. In fact, one study found this form was one that helped arterial stiffness in healthy overweight individuals [7]
Magnesium Bisglycinate — This form is most often used to treat symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. [8]
Magnesium Malate — Some believe this to be the most bioavailable form (found naturally in fruits, giving them “tart taste.”) [9] It can help with migraines, chronic pain, and depression.
Magnesium Aspartate — Helps the connection between your brain and muscles, your cardiac rhythms, and the overall acid-alkaline balance in your body. It also can support an elevated mood [10]. It is absolutely essential in the metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Magnesium Taurate — This is the form of magnesium best for your heart. One study noted: “The complex magnesium taurate may thus have considerable potential as a vascular-protective nutritional supplement.” [11]
Magnesium Orotate — While also helpful for the heart, magnesium orotate is believed to be the best form for metabolic improvements, making it a favorite for athletes wanting enhanced recovery, energy, and performance. [12]
Magnesium, Sleep, and Compliance
Scientists are also examining the relationship between magnesium and the phases of sleep called “deep sleep” and REM sleep, as both have significant implications for obesity, general health, and longevity. [13]
Suffice to say, getting all 7 forms gives you the strongest possible edge in maximizing your sleep quality, duration, and overall depth. Given the extensive benefits that come from sleep (and the cost of poor sleep)—this alone makes focusing on adequate levels (and forms) of magnesium for yourself and patients/clients extremely prudent.
Another reason why the magnesium-sleep connection is so important is compliance. Most people cannot “feel” most of the nutritional supplements they take. As a result, even when a nutritional supplement is providing considerable benefit, they are more likely to forget to take it or discontinue altogether.
Sleep, however, is a bodily function that people are often much more attuned to. They know whether they fall asleep quickly or slowly. And they know whether they wake up feeling rested or exhausted. In our experience, getting all 7 forms of magnesium upgrades their sleep in such a noticeable way, patients and clients are motivated to continue. And with the wide range of benefits of magnesium we’ve already established here, this is obviously a phenomenal thing for their health—and your relationship to them as a practitioner.
To learn more about the BiOptimizers formulated solution called Magnesium Breakthrough —go to https://magbreakthrough.com/drdaltonsmith
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- [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4455825/
- [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14506478
- [3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/magnesium-helps-the-heart-keep-its-mettle
- [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775240/
- [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507250/
- [6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167488904002630
- [7] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/chelated-magnesium.html
- [8] https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-019-3414-4
- [9] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-152090/magnesium-glycinate-oral/details
- [10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29679349
- [11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0278584690900993
- [12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8692051
- [13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9794088