Magnesium has a number of benefits for our body overall:

  • Needed for the synthesis of glutathione, a major antioxidant
  • Great for bone health. If you’re taking calcium, it is always good to combine calcium with magnesium in a ratio of 2:1
  • Regulates the flow of Calcium into the cells. Too much calcium in a cell can promote muscle contractions and hypertension
  • Both Calcium and Magnesium are needed for ATP production, which is energy created by each cell
  • Helps relax the muscles
  • Contributes to the production of essential fatty acids (which is what omega 3 fish oils contain)
  • Insulin needs magnesium for receptor sensitivity

Signs and symptoms of Magnesium deficiency:

  • Muscle spasms (including menstrual cramps, tremor, spasms)
  • Fatigue
  • Hypertension
  • Insomnia
  • Carbohydrate craving
  • Mood changes
  • Insulin resistance
  • Constipation

Magnesium can help with the following when combined with other synergistic herbs, nutrients and dietary adjustments:

  • Hypertension
  • PMS/cramping and muscle cramping
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Migraines
  • Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Constipation

Before using Magnesium, it’s good to find out if you are deficient in Magnesium. If you are not, although the Magnesium may still be helpful for constipation, I encourage you to dig deeper into finding the real reason(s) you are constipated.

When deciding to take Magnesium, be sure to go through all your supplements and see how much Magnesium you are already taking. A naturopathic doctor can help determine if you are taking too much and reduce the amount to avoid toxicity.

Although I have discussed Magnesium in detail, different forms of Magnesium (Mg) provide different benefits. The ones I have seen most helpful for constipation are: Mg oxide, Mg citrate, and Mg glycinate.

Ready to schedule your first telemedicine consultation for prevention, digestive disorders or kidney disease? Click HERE.