ONE POWERFUL HACK TO STAYING HEALTHY & STRONG TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF

One Powerful Hack to Stay Healthy and Strong

by: Erin King

Taking good care of yourself

When you think about HEALTH, do you immediately consider the physical aspect or the mental aspect?

Does sitting in a cafe, seeking serenity in a good book sound like the perfect health regime? Or does a heart-pounding run around the neighborhood fit the bill?

If your position is that both are equally important, you are not alone. Studies show a defined connection between mental and physical health, so true balance and wellness requires paying close attention to nurturing your physical and mental health.

Perhaps you wonder if there’s a way to bolster both aspects of your health — something to keep your strength up and your stress down, or something you could add to your routine to support your body in motion and at rest; it can solve many problems you may be having.

What if I were to tell you that there is something you can take that actually does impact both?

Magnesium

This powerhouse electrolyte is essential for muscle function, cardiovascular health, skeletal strength, protein synthesis (building new cells), energy storage cell production (ATP), and over 300 other cellular processes.

While magnesium is more widely known for strengthening your bones, it is also capable of relaxing your muscles. This is the calming effect. As it is building you up, at the same time, it is calming you down, making it the perfect enhancement to both mental and physical wellbeing.

According to Potassium and Magnesium Roles and Food Intake Analysis by Jeanette Joy Fronterhouse from Oklahoma State University, Magnesium is very important in maintaining mental well-being. Magnesium is required for the formation of Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of ease and is considered highly mood elevating (Whitney & Rolfes, 2005). Even a slight deficiency of magnesium can cause a person to be tense, irritable, and emotionally unstable (Whitney & Rolfes, 2005) A deficiency of magnesium is also associated with depression, anxiety and seizures (Whitney & Rolfes, 2005). Magnesium may also help protect from disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Magnesium is a natural glutamate blocker. Glutamate which is found in monosodium glutamate and yeast extract is known to damage brain cells and increase symptoms of OCD, Anxiety, Migraines, Parkinson’s, and Seizures (Whitney & Rolfes, 2005). Where can you find Magnesium?

Food. Supplements.

There are many delicious ways to get your magnesium, as it is found in leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and legumes. When planning your grocery list, consider adding a variety of the following enriched foods:

Almonds, Cashews, Flaxseed, Peanuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Black beans, Edamame, Lima Beans, Quinoa, Shredded Wheat, Milk, Yogurt, Spinach, Dark Chocolate, and more

It can also be taken in capsules or dissolved in hot water to create a healthful, soothing drink to ensure you are getting enough into your regime. Keep in mind to read the labels and ensure to stay within the daily allowable intake.

Because of its involvement in so many vital processes in your body, if you have been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, queasiness, vomiting, weakness, or muscle twitching, it’s time to have a conversation with your doctor or registered nutritionist and tailor magnesium into your needs.

Whether your idea of an optimal health regimen includes an afternoon of gardening, a triathlon, or curling up with a good book, making an intentional decision to ensure you are getting magnesium into your system might just be the perfect addition to your daily practice.

Sources: https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/connection-betweenmental-and-physical-health/ https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/ what-are-the-health-benefits-of-magnesium/ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oefAI2x2CQM&ab_ channel=AmoebaSisters https://health.clevelandclinic.org/happensbody-dont-get-enough-sleep/ https://core.ac.uk/reader/215263496