A deficiency of this multi-tasking mineral can become problematic since it plays a critical role in more than 800 biochemical reactions in the body. Hundreds of your body’s chemical processes fall apart without magnesium. When we say our entire body needs magnesium, that’s not an exaggeration.

When we pull back from the microscope and start to sketch out magnesium’s role throughout the body, the list is staggering. Here are just a few examples of conditions that magnesium is involved in.

Acid reflux & heartburn

Like other muscles, the esophageal sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus needs magnesium to function properly. Without enough magnesium, the sphincter may spasm, allowing the acid to travel up and irritate the sensitive esophageal lining.

Angina, high blood pressure & other cardiovascular conditions

Besides its role in preventing blood clots, magnesium also acts as a natural vasodilator. Magnesium, as a calcium antagonist, allows the heart muscles and the smooth muscles of the arteries to rest and relax, reducing blood pressure. If there is insufficient magnesium, these blood vessels constrict, raising blood pressure.

Blood sugar sensitivities

Magnesium improves insulin sensitivity and allows the body to use and store the glucose it ingests and to excrete the excess glucose. A magnesium deficiency can cause a sluggish insulin response to blood sugar, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Building bones & teeth

Magnesium doesn’t just regulate calcium in cells – it stimulates the production of calcitonin. This hormone is responsible for inhibiting cells (osteoclasts) that breaks bone down and activates alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that forms new calcium crystals in bones.

Constipation

Magnesium is important for bowel peristalsis – the contraction and relaxation of intestinal muscles that move food down the intestinal tract.

Migraines & headaches

Magnesium is linked to headaches and migraines in a few ways. Magnesium allows muscles to relax properly, so without it, muscles are prone to tense up or cramp. Muscle tension in the neck and head may cause headaches. Insufficient serotonin, which magnesium helps produce, can result in migraines, as can small blood clots reducing blood flow to the brain.

Energy levels

Considering magnesium has a calming effect on the mind, it’s a little counterintuitive that magnesium is also involved in countering fatigue. Magnesium works on multiple levels when combating low energy fatigue. Magnesium is involved in metabolizing glucose into available energy, restoring ATP to depleted muscles, and regulating stress hormones.

Muscle pain, spasms, twitches & cramps

Insufficient magnesium causes calcium to stay in muscle and nerve cells longer, causing over excitation of the muscles and nerves. This can lead to cramps, spasms, and other muscle related issues.

Insomnia

Magnesium is involved in the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. Muscle tension due to lack of magnesium will also prevent good sleep.

Lung function, COPD, asthma & respiratory distress

Magnesium has a Bronchodilating effect which increases airflow to the lungs. Part of this is due to magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties, as inflamed bronchioles can prevent the exchange of oxygen to the blood. Magnesium also inhibits the release of histamine, which are known to constrict the bronchi and bronchioles.

Sports endurance

Magnesium deficiencies can hinder endurance in sports or fitness. Muscles have limited quantities of ATP that need to be replenished during activity. Magnesium helps to recycle that ATP. Magnesium also helps with proper muscle relaxation and contraction.
Effective supplementing of magnesium depends on two factors: how much you consume and how much your body can absorb. How much you can absorb depends on your lifestyle, your diet, stress levels, medications you may be taking and age.

CanPrev’s Magnesium Bis-glycinate 400mg Ultra Gentle powder was designed for those seeking an ideal dose of magnesium with maximum gentleness and can be easily added to your favourite beverage or smoothie. Typically just one scoop is needed for superior absorption (and gentleness on the bowels).

Apart from active individuals, it is recommended for those with multiple prescriptions or digestive conditions like Crohn’s and colitis, or for anyone looking to counteract the effects of chronic stress.

CanPrev’s Magnesium Bis-glycinate 400mg Ultra Gentle powder.

100% Vegan. No fillers, no binders. Just what you have come to expect from CanPrev.

About the Author: CanPrev

At CanPrev, our mission is to keep advancing naturopathic medicine tools, working with the body’s natural healing ability, in order to improve quality of life. We’re working to put your health back into your hands. Learn more at canprev.ca