Why Magnesium is Good for our Hormones
Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is common due to our soils being degraded. It is estimated as many as 50% of people (US study) do not get enough Magnesium in their diet. Processed foods strips magnesium. Hence a poor diet and stress are leading to Magnesium deficiency.
"Recent studies have shown, surprisingly, that Mg contents in historical cereal seeds have markedly declined over time, and two thirds of people surveyed in developed countries received less than their minimum daily Mg requirement."
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221451411500121X
The relationship between stress and Magnesium is well documented. Stress adds to the dumping of this mineral.
"At a biochemical level, more than 325 enzymes are Mg dependent, many of which are nervous system enzymes, thus reflecting the important role potentially played by Mg in CNS physiological and pathological function"
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507250/
I prescribe this mineral for many conditions including thyroid, PCOs, hair loss, PMS, migraines, menopause and perimenopause
- Magnesium reduces blood sugar and normalises insulin. It's a form of natural metformin. Healthy insulin levels may assist weight loss, reduce cravings and helps reverse PCOs
- Magnesium calms the nerves and regulates your stress hormonal system to function thus creating happier hormones
- Magnesium is essential for thyroid health. Also it quenches inflammation with underlying autoimmune diseases that are common with the thyroid.
- Magnesium creates DHEA a hormone to support adrenal function, growth hormone
- Magnesium supports the cells to create steroids.
- Magnesium normalises progesterone balance in the central nervous system relieving migraines, PMDD, menopause.
- Magnesium activates Vitamin D. without magnesium vit D cannot do its job.
- Magnesium slows ageing, shortening telomeres and increasing glutathione for the gut.
Testing for Magnesium
Testing for Magnesium - there is no accurate test. Do it by a "how you feel" strategy.
Although I always support a food first philosophy, many of our patients may require additional magnesium in supplement form.
It is recommended to use Magnesium glycinate or biglycinate as they are easy to absorb and least likely to cause diarrhoea.
Providing glycine to make glutathione and supports healthy insulin and methylation. Glycine promotes sleep, lowers core body temperature and calms the nervous system.
