By Fred Cheng, R.Ph., and Christine Cheng, R.Ph.
It is popular knowledge that magnesium is needed for strong bones, but did you know that this tiny mineral has many other uses in the body, structurally and metabolically? Magnesium is often used to relax the body and mind. It is in our bones, joints, DNA, muscles. It takes part in muscle movement and heart rhythm. Over 300 biochemical processes in the body require magnesium. Yet, many Canadians are deficient in this mineral. Some disease states can put your body at a low-magnesium state; examples include Crohn’s disease, chronic diarrhea, diabetes, and alcoholism.
Magnesium is not made by our bodies, but can be sourced in our diet, and can also be supplemented orally as necessary; intravenous or intramuscular forms are used in clinics to treat, eg., seizures. For example, dairy, meats (including fish), whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and some vegetables such as spinach and okra are rich in magnesium. Unless you have bowel obstruction, heart block, myasthenia gravis, or kidney failure, you can try a magnesium supplement.
Supplemental magnesium is most often found in citrate, oxide, malate, and glycerphosphate forms due to their cost-effectiveness. People with fibromyalgia often benefit from the citrate and malate forms. Often, the best form of magnesium is the bisglycinate form. It is not expensive, and is highly absorbable and readily used up by the various biochemical processes. It can alleviate headaches, muscle aches, spasms, cramps, restless legs, benefit PMS symptoms and aide relaxation and sleep, just to name a few. Magnesium bisglycinate is available in a delicious lemon/lime or raspberry drink powder from Duncan, BC’s own Purica or in a variety of oral capsule strengths from CanPrev. We have seen great results in clients using either one.
Chat with your doctor to rule out any diseases, then come see the Integrative Pharmacy Teams at Cloverdale Pharmasave and Pharmasave Steveston Village to find the best magnesium supplement for your needs.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Find them on Instagram and Facebook! Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
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