The Magnesium Connection

At Jing, we believe supplementation should be just that - a supplement to a healthy diet, not a replacement for poor nutritional planning.  We typically recommend targeted products for specific physical, mental, or lifestyle conditions. Magnesium has long been one of our favorite mineral supplements for inflammatory conditions including pain disorders and cardiovascular conditions, certain sleep and gastrointestinal disorders, and mental health imbalances such as anxiety.

Americans as a whole are deficient in this essential nutrient, largely from decreased amounts in soil content and dietary preference for sweet and starchy foods rather than green leafy vegetables and nuts.  Those of us who are lucky enough to live in "hard water" towns as a result of limestone rock will also receive magnesium from tap water. The NIH provides an excellent reference for ways to get magnesium into your diet: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet 

Magnesium can be delivered orally, transdermally, and though epson salt soaks. The body will excrete excess, but it is important not to take it at the same time as bisphosphonate (osteoporosis) medications or potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone or triamterene), and to consult with your primary care provider if you have renal (kidney) impairment.

Here are a few of the Magnesium products we like:

Magnesium Citrate This formulation is naturally derived from limestone and produced by fermentation. This should not be confused with the over-the-counter liquid laxative used before certain surgical or diagnostic procedures!

Cal/Mag with CoFactors This powder is mixed with water and tastes like flat lemon soda. It contains the correct calcium, magnesium, and D ratio to promote correct absorption. We cannot stress enough that the best forms of magnesium and calcium are through diet, and, much as many dermatologists will chastise me for saying this, the best source for the potent anti-oxident Vitamin D is moderate, daily sun exposure.

Magnesium Glycinate this formulation is better for folks who have a tendency to GI upset or loose stools.

To read more about the benefits of magnesium and find more evidenced-based literature, take a look at this article from Acupuncture Today: Achieving Optimal Health Through Transdermal Magnesium Therapy