Magnesium is a big buzzword in the world of health, supplements, and general doing good stuff for you. Lots of people get theirs from the popular supplement Natural Calm, which is known as an “anti-stress drink” that users take to deal with anxiety. But magnesium doesn’t just ease your stress, it can help your physical health as well.
Naturopath Laurie Brodsky says one reason magnesium is “a special and trending mineral” is that it’s used by almost every organ and cell in our bodies, and most of us don’t get enough of it in our diets. Foods that are rich in magnesium are almonds, bananas, tofu, flax, oatmeal, and broccoli, but unless you’re eating lots of those, you’re probably not getting enough.
So what are the other health benefits of taking magnesium? It can help with sleep and serenity, as well as insomnia, muscle spasms, hypertension, detoxification, and more, Brodsky says. One study even found taking 100-milligrams of it a day lowered the risk of stroke by 8% - which doesn’t sound like a lot, but every little bit helps, right?
One thing to remember is to take the recommended daily 100-milligrams in separate doses - Brodsky warns that taking too much magnesium at once can have a laxative effect and that’s definitely not the kind of relaxing we want from this mineral. People who have gastrointestinal issues, chronic drinkers, and people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have a magnesium deficiency, but everyone should ask a doctor before you start taking any supplements. But if you’re looking for a natural way to calm your anxiety, this could be just the thing to help.
Source: Byrdie