When we think of the vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function properly, the usual suspects come to mind - iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, potassium, etc. While all of these are important to keep our body in balance and thriving, one essential mineral is required for bone health, immune system health, managing blood sugar, energy production, and muscle and nerve function. This mineral is called magnesium and can be found in several forms including magnesium bisglycinate. Here's why it's important for our health:
Before we get into what magnesium bisglycinate and other forms of magnesium are, we have to talk about its original form and its function in the body. Magnesium is an essential mineral required by the body for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body and plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, how we adjust blood glucose levels, the production of energy and protein, and keeping our immune system healthy. Magnesium can be found in foods such as leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and seeds, but millions of people still struggle to get enough magnesium in their diets. Because of this struggle, magnesium supplements are readily available on the market, but there are several kinds that vary based on what other ingredients and chemicals they are bonded or mixed with.
Here are the most common forms of magnesiumand their basic uses:
The Food and Nutrition Board recommends that we get anywhere from 310 to 420 mg of magnesium a day, depending on age and gender, to be healthy. But what are the specific benefits of taking a magnesium supplementation? Well, there are more than a few. Magnesium Bisglycinate, also known as magnesium glycinate, has been touted by both natural health advocates and healthcare professionals for its abilities to help relieve symptoms of a myriad of health conditions including:
When our bodies don't get enough magnesium or lose magnesium at an accelerated rate, we could experience symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Certain individuals may have trouble absorbing dietary magnesium due to excessive drinking, kidney problems or kidney disease, digestive issues, Celiac disease, or take certain medications, which may lead to a magnesium deficiency.
While it is true that more than half of Americans don't get their daily recommended amount of magnesium, only 2% experience true magnesium deficiency. Not getting enough magnesium could lead to struggles with some of the health concerns mentioned above including osteoporosis, depression, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. Some other signs of a magnesium deficiency include:
If you're experiencing one or more of these signs and symptoms, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about testing the magnesium levels in your body. The most common way to test magnesium levels is through a blood test, sometimes called a "total serum magnesium test". Other magnesium testing forms include measuring the amount of magnesium in urine, red blood cells, or through cells found in the mouth (this is known as an EXA test and is very expensive). Once it is determined whether your magnesium levels are normal or too low, you and your doctor can work together to decide on a plan that works for you.
With all the health benefits of magnesium and the concerns that come with not getting enough magnesium, why wouldn't we work to get enough of the essential mineral? As it turns out, it is a little harder than you might think to get a healthy amount of magnesium into your diet, as it's been reported by the National Institutes of Health that nearly half of Americans aren't getting enough magnesium. As mentioned before, our daily magnesium intake should vary from 310 to 420 mg of magnesium, depending on age and gender, and getting enough starts with the foods we choose.
Here are a few of our favorite magnesium-rich foods to help ensure we're getting healthy levels of the mineral:
Even with all of these delicious magnesium-rich foods to add to our diet, sometimes we still fall short. This is where adding dietary supplements containing magnesium may be beneficial! As we mentioned above, there are several types of magnesium supplementation formulas on the market, so take some time to find one that is formulated with beneficial ingredients and works for your body. For example, if you're looking for relief from temporary problems like constipation or muscle soreness, magnesium in the form of Epsom salt or milk of magnesia may be your best choice. But if you're looking into taking magnesium for overall wellness and to relieve chronic symptoms of other health concerns, a supplement like magnesium bisglycinate may be your best bet. Look for the term "chelate" when shopping for a magnesium bisglycinate supplement. Chelating "is a binding process that combines minerals like magnesium with organic compounds to improve stability and bioavailability of nutrients." Chelating also helps our bodies absorb the magnesium faster and easier.
Before we get into the possible side effects of taking a magnesium bisglycinate or any other magnesium supplement, make sure you're talking to your doctor about starting a dietary supplement before you add it to your routine. This may help you avoid any unwanted interactions with medications or preexisting conditions.
In general, it is very difficult to overdo it on magnesium, as our kidneys flush out the excess, but not impossible. In too high doses, magnesium can lead to:
If you're interested in the potential health benefits adding a magnesium supplement could have for your overall health, try 1 Body! Our unique magnesium bisglycinate supplement formula uses the most potent, bioavailable form of magnesium to ensure you get the magnesium you need to maintain your health. Unlike some other forms of magnesium, you will get maximized absorption and you won’t have to worry about the dreadful laxative effects that you find in many other magnesium supplements. Plus, 1 Body creates all of our dietary supplements in a cGMP-certified facility in the USA with ZERO sugar, salt, dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.
