24 Nov What is Magnesium and why Massage therapists recommend taking this supplement
One of the main reasons people attend a Myotherapy/Remedial massage treatment is to relieve tension carried in the body. In today’s day and age, we experience high amounts of stress that, over time, is seemingly increasing globally. Our body has a natural way of managing that stress with the use of magnesium intake. Magnesium is shown to reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Massage can also help alleviate stress symptoms by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the so-called “rest and digest” response. Lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate also reduces cortisol levels, thereby inviting a sense of calm and relaxation through the techniques used to stimulate muscles and soft tissue.
What is it good for?
Magnesium offers many benefits for the body, including:
- Sleep – by regulating neurotransmitters that calm the nervous system
- Muscle and nerve function – helps relieve muscle cramps and is essential for proper muscle contraction and nerve function. Reduces inflammation
- Heart health – balances blood pressure and supports the cardiovascular system
- Energy production – assists in converting food into energy
- Mental health: May help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and migraines.
What are the risks of low Magnesium intake?
Habitually low intakes of magnesium induce changes in biochemical pathways that can increase the risk of illness over time
Early signs of deficiency include:
- loss of appetite,
- fatigue
- nausea and possible vomiting
- weakness
If the deficiency worsens, people can experience
- abnormal heart rhythms
- muscle contractions (cramps)
- numbness
- tingling
- A change in personality and mood
- abnormal heart rhythms
- possible coronary spasms
How to increase your intake
Magnesium can be naturally obtained from dietary sources like nuts, leafy greens, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Foods containing dietary fibre also provide magnesium.
Alternatively, an increase in intake can be achieved through taking supplements. Some people prefer taking them orally with powders or tablets. Other ways include a spray that can be applied at the bottom of the feet before sleep.
If you’re worried about not getting enough from your diet, talk to a doctor about whether a magnesium supplement is right for you.
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