First and foremost what is this magnesium us coaches speak so much of here at real fitness?? Well magnesium is one of six essential macro-minerals that comprise 99% of the body’s mineral content; it is already naturally produced within the body. However as humans we are all deficient in this important mineral we call magnesium which helps build bones, enables nerves to function, and is essential to the production of energy from our food.
Why do we recommend taking this supplement? Magnesium is actually needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. In other words in order for our body to function optimally we need sufficient levels of mag. It also supports our immune system, it keeps our heart beat steady as well as assists our bones to become stronger. Magnesium also regulates blood glucose levels and aids in the production of energy and protein. So it encourages the production of protein, which of course assists with healthy muscle repair and recovery.
Without magnesium we could not produce energy, our muscles would be in a permanent state of contraction. CONTRACTION!!! That is not a good state for our bodies to be in. However a lot of people will come to us with very tight muscles and tension build up. So not only will magnesium help with muscle recovery and repair but also it will assist with the release of tension through out the body. Think of it as yoga in tablet form.
Magnesium is a macro-mineral, which, unlike trace minerals, is needed by the body in large amounts. Just like macronutrients that we consume, macronutrients are the main caloric giving components of our foods. So here we have macronutrient which are the most needed mineral within the body along with calcium, iron and potassium. The average human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, one of the six essential minerals that must be supplied in the diet. And if the diet does not supply us with enough magnesium than we will start to become depleted in this vital mineral.
What happens if we become depleted? Well let me tell you that magnesium has been shown to have therapeutic value in treating conditions such as headaches, chronic pain, asthma, and sleep disorders. It can keep these side effects at bay if we replenish ourselves on a regular basis. And in recent large-scale studies, magnesium has been linked to a reduced degree of conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Low magnesium is known in research circles as the silent epidemic of our times.
Signs to know that you are deficient:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle cramps
- Impaired muscle coordination
So the next time your health coach asks if you are taking magnesium to help with recovery, remember it is for much more then the recovery process and it is already naturally present within the body we just want you to replenish your levels for optimal health. Because at the end of the day we are all after optimal health so we can live the best versions of ourselves as possible!
So how? What is the best form of magnesium and why?
Of course food sources have it, green leafy vegetables, seeds, almonds, cocoa, avocado, bananas have some of the highest amounts of magnesium. But the problem is how these vegetables and fruits, seeds are now all grown we are missing a high amount of minerals that once flooded our soils. Due to the high demand in food they now grow our vegetables and fruits in soils that are depleted from these extremely important minerals. On top of that we are being depleted daily from magnesium. So a supplement helps combat this problem. You can take magnesium through your skin (magnesium bath or even Epsom salts) The skin is your largest organ so a great way to absorb anything is through the skin or through a oral supplement. Ask a coach at Real Fitness Training which brand they recommend and why when you are in next. Remember how body is working on the inside will reflect on the outside.
Real Fitness Training is a boutique wellness studio located in the Hills District which includes the surrounding suburbs of Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Glenorie, West Pennant Hills, Glenwood and Rouse Hill. Our services include personal training, semi-private personal training, yoga, meditation and nutrition. Creating optimal lifestyles since 2013.