While pregnant with my youngest child, I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure among other things) and was put on bedrest and ultimately advised to deliver a month early. It was scary but I trusted the hospital to do what they needed to do. During this period, I was given large doses of magnesium to help keep both me and the baby safe. Aside from learning its symbol (Mg) in high school chemistry (shoutout to Mr. Malone), I knew little about its health benefits. I didn’t question why I was taking it as I was just happy to be told that everything was going to be alright.
Fast forward nine years and I can’t scroll my social media feed without seeing Magnesium as a trending topic. And rightfully so, as it’s said to play a vital role in supporting bone density, heart health, metabolism, sleep and more. Unfortunately, my memory of the mineral is a bit tainted. It reminds me of feeling “mag-ed out” (as they refer to it in the hospital), an overall groggy and zoned out feeling. Not the best association. But it’s a decade past my hospital experience and I am eager to try it in a non-medical emergency kind of way.
Anecdotally, several of my friends swear by it for anxiety and sleep. Others tout its benefits for regularity and chronic pain. That said, it’s important to know that there are many different types of magnesium, each functioning a bit differently in the body. So before diving in, it’s smart to talk with your healthcare provider about your specific health goals. The most common forms are Magnesium L-Threonate, Magnesium Taurate, Magnesium Orotate, Magnesium Malate, Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide. You can check this website for which form does what here and of course chat with your doctor before making any decisions.
Once you’ve nailed down your goals, you’ll find an overwhelming variety of options out there. Supplements, powders, bath soaks and magnesium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and black beans are all beneficial. To seamlessly incorporate the foods into your diet, try making your own smoothie (recipe below) or Raw Republic can customize one for you with added magnesium threonate.
For supplements, always consult a health care provider and know what issues you are looking to solve for. I like oils that can be leisurely rubbed in and also powder mixes that contain multiple types of magnesium that can be downed in one glass of water. Vibrant Market and Earthsavers carry high quality versions of all these kinds and more.
Remember to talk to an experienced professional before making any moves. Cheers to a happy, healthy you!
Magnesium Rich Smoothie: 1 medium-sized banana frozen, one tablespoon of maple syrup, one tablespoon of raw cacao powder, handful spinach, and one cup almond milk. Top with pumpkin seeds.
Hinoki Bath Salts, Earthsavers
MagneGel, Earthsavers
4 in 1 Powder Supplement, Vibrant Market
Topical Magnesium Gel, Vibrant Market
Daily Magnesium Complex, Vibrant Market
Sale & Event Picks:
Aug. 27: Lapeyre Trunk Show, Peony & 30% Off Rack
Aug. 29 – Sept. 1: 30% Off, The ELizabeth Chronicles
Through Labor Day: 30% Off Sale Items, UAL
Sept. 1: 20 Off Raffia Totes and Bags, Pied Nu
Sept. 1: 10-75% off EVERYTHING, Earthsavers
Ongoing: End of Season Sale- up to 60% Off, Maisonette
Ongoing: End of Season Sale, Extra 20% Off Sale and 20% Select full price items, Hemline (magazine)
