Feeling stressed out or regularly getting cramps? Taking a magnesium supplement may help. This mineral plays a role in over 300 of your body’s functions – it assists with the formation of bones and teeth, and helps promote energy production and the relaxation of muscles among a raft of other things.
What else does magnesium help with?
Magnesium also helps:
- Works with calcium to strengthen bones and cartilage
- Assist with anxiety and stress levels
- Alleviate muscle cramps
- Help relieve symptoms of PMS
- Helps balance out blood sugar levels
- Help you get a good night’s sleep
- Help improve low energy levels
- Alleviate migraine symptoms
Where do you get magnesium from?
You can obtain it naturally through both plant and animal foods – foods rich in magnesium include green veges (i.e. spinach, silverbeet), legumes, peas, beans, nuts. Alternatively, you can take a magnesium supplement like Red Seal Magnesium (RRP $9.64), Blackmores Bio Magnesium (RRP $31.80) or GO Magnesium 1-a-Day (RRP $34.90).
How much you need to have
The minimum Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) of magnesium each eay is 320 mg for women (310 mg if under 30 years old), and 420 mg for men. Some people may need more though, including:
- People who drink a lot of sugar-laden or caffeinated beverages, or drink a lot of alcohol
- Those on specific medications such as the oral contraceptive pill
- Those who constantly experience high levels of stress or anxiety
- Those who have a diet that doesn’t contain enough of the natural sources listed above
Remember that before taking any kind of supplements, it’s always best to check with a medical practitioner.
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