Common Uses:
Restful Sleep, Constipation, Heartburn, Hormone Balance, Bone Health, Stress Support, Muscle Relaxation
Magnesium, often called “The Magic Mineral” plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body. These reactions impact everything, including sleep, muscle and nerve function (like restless leg syndrome), heart health, stress management, supporting the immune system, and more.
Traditional Use:
The name magnesium comes from Magnetes, an ancient Greek tribe that inhabited the area where magnesium carbonate was first found and used as a laxative to treat a range of illnesses.
When the medicinal properties of the magnesium-rich water from the Epsom Spring in England were discovered in the 1600s, the town of Epsom rapidly became a popular health resort and spa. People even drank the salty water to 'purify the blood’.
Plant anatomist and physiologist Nehemiah Grew isolated and patented the magnesium sulfate from the Epsom Spring in 1695. However, it wasn’t until 1755 that magnesium was recognized as a unique element as a result of experiments conducted by chemist and physicist Joseph Black. Magnesium does not naturally exist on its own; it will always be found with other elements.
Research Overview:
Research has shown magnesium to be vital in every system of the body, including the immune system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system by blocking the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters and binding to calming receptors for a more peaceful, resting state.
Low levels of Magnesium have been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Magnesium is essential for the production of serotonin and plays a critical role in mood, brain function, memory, and learning.
A 2012 study found that magnesium may help with brain functions that reduce stress and anxiety. It’s believed that this mineral affects a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates the pituitary and adrenal glands. These two glands are responsible for our stress response.
GABA1 (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain which plays a key role in the signaling of the nervous system. Low GABA in the brain keeps it active, making it difficult to relax. Additionally, low GABA has been linked to stress-induced disorders, including anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome.Magnesium stimulates the GABA1 receptors in the brain, which help reduce brain transmission and slow down brain activity, enabling us to feel relaxed and calm. Magnesium also limits the release of cortisol, the “stress hormone”, and prevents it from reaching the brain.
Interesting Fact:
Magnesium plays an important role in supporting brain function and has been called 'nature's valium' and the 'original chill pill'.
