Magnesium: A chiropractor’s favourite supplement!

Magnesium has long been a supplement many medical practitioners have raved on about… the many hidden benefits and wonders of this super supplement… but what actually is it good for?

The fact is a magnesium deficiency (also known as hypomagnesemia) is one of the leading nutrient deficiencies in adults, with an estimated 80% being deficient in this vital mineral. Magnesium is crucial in energy production, protein (muscle) synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, muscular contraction, muscular relation and the maintaining the integrity of our bones. Magnesium is also responsible for assisting 300 different enzyme systems of the body, contributing to the healthy functioning of nerves, muscles, bones and heart rhythm.⁵

Ever had muscle aches or spasms, poor digestion, anxiety or trouble sleeping? You may have visited the GP and had various tests done, but a magnesium deficiency is often easily overlooked and rarely tested. Therefore, magnesium may be one of the most underutilized but most necessary supplements for maintaining optimal health.

We’ve come up with a list of obvious tell-tale signs that you may be suffering from a magnesium deficiency. These symptoms include:

1. Muscle twitches, tremors and cramps

2. Osteoporosis

3. Restless leg syndrome

4. Heightened stress

5. Mental health issues (anxiety, depression or apathy)

6. High blood pressure

7. Hormone problems

8. Sleep problems

9. Low energy

10. Abnormal heart rhythm

11. Fatigue

12. Loss of appetite or nausea

Why do chiropractors continue to boast about the benefits of this vitamin? It’s because the most common conditions chiropractors treat have been linked to magnesium deficiencies.

‘Deficiency of magnesium has been shown to increase the production of inflammatory chemicals, which activate pain receptors known as ‘nociceptors’. It is widely accepted that conditions such as migraine headache, fibromyalgia, muscular cramp and chronic fatigue syndrome are linked to magnesium deficiency, and management often involves magnesium implementation.’²

As 50-60% of magnesium is located in our bones, with majority of the rest in soft tissues, it’s important to ensure our bodies receive the required amount of magnesium to function.It has been said that 25g of magnesium a day is an adequate dose to ensure appropriate levels of magnesium are being consumed daily.

Although you can supplement magnesium into your diet, did you also know magnesium is also found naturally in quite a few foods? Here’s a list below of some magnesium-rich foods that can boost your levels:

Green leafy vegetables (eg. Spinach and kale)
Fruit (figs, avocado, banana and raspberries)
Nuts and seeds
Legumes (black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans)
Veges (peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, brussel sprouts)
Seafood (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
Whole grains (brown rice and oats)
Raw cacao
Dark chocolate
Tofu
Baked beans
Chlorella powder⁴

Unfortunately majority of people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables to achieve the optimum consumption of magnesium a day, which is where supplements can act as supporting aids. At Yeronga Chiropractic we stock the BioCeuticals range, with the Ultra Muscleze Advanced Magnesium Blend on offer in a 150g and 300g powdered form. We recommend a powdered form, as it is more easily absorbed by the body.

Alternatively, topical magnesium can be beneficial in reducing headaches and migraines, muscle aches and pains, assists in decreasing inflammation as well as enhancing cognitive functions.Transdermal magnesium (delivering minerals through the skin ie. Transdermal) is also great at targeting specific areas of concern, especially those suffering from specific joint or limb aches, paints or inflammation. We also stock the BioCeuticals Muscleze Cream in our clinics, which can assist individuals suffering from these specific conditions.

For those who would like more information or to know more about our BioCeuticals and magnesium products stocked in the clinic, please email us on admin@yerongachiropractic.com.au or call us on (07) 3839 1440. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sources:

1. https://draxe.com/magnesium-supplements/

2. http://www.mckenziechiropractic.com.au/blog/do-your-muscles-need-magnesium.aspx

3. https://www.batemanchiropractic.com.au/do-you-need-magnesium/

4. https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/07/10/what-foods-contain-magnesium_a_23024245/

5. http://www.core-wellnesschiro.com/single-post/2017/04/13/Supplements-My-Top-Recommendations

6. http://www.naturallivingideas.com/use-magnesium-lotion-make/