The most common cause of these annoying symptoms is a lack of magnesium. Especially during the summer, when we sweat out our minerals, it’s easy to come up short on this critical one.
Magnesium helps your muscles relax after contraction. Without it, your muscles would stay in permanent contraction, which can be painful and hamper athletic performance. Magnesium deficiency can lead to constant cramps, muscle spasms and prolonged muscle soreness.
There are many different forms of magnesium. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
Generally, chelated minerals are bound to (or attached) to amino acids (or proteins) and are best absorbed.
Magnesium Buffered Chelate is the highly absorbable and bioavailable glycinate form that is best for depleting depleted magnesium stores. It does not affect the bowels so you tend toward soft stools, use this one.
Magnesium Malate Chelate is also highly absorbable and bioavailable but does affect the bowels. If you tend towards constipation, this is a good choice for you. It will help rehydrate dry pebbly stools and improve elimination.
Magnesium Oxide is non-chelated and bound to a fatty acid. It also tends to soften the stool. Sometimes it’s difficult to take enough to help the muscles because of this property.
Magnesium Citrate (MagCitrate Powder) is bound to citric acid, which can irritate the brain. In some cases this may cause increased anxiety or insomnia. It can be used as an effective stool softener.
Magnesium L-Threonate (Neuro-Mag) is the newest form of magnesium and penetrates the blood-brain barrier so has been shown effective in reducing anxiety, post concussion stress and ADD/ADHD. It also “feeds” the mitochondria and can boost energy.
Epsom Salts are made of magnesium sulfate, an inorganic salt containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. By absorbing the magnesium over the large skin in a bath, large amounts can be taken in without digestive distress. Very relaxing and soothing to mind and muscles.
Topical MagneGel is a transdermal magnesium gel which also, like Epsom Salts, uses the skin as the vehicle to boost magnesium stores. It can be applied to the arms, neck, legs or anywhere muscle relaxing effects are needed. This is a very useful product for anyone who cannot tolerate oral magnesium.
Other mineral deficiencies that may cause muscle cramps, tics and twitches include potassium and calcium. Give the magnesium a try for a week and if symptoms don’t improve, try the others.
And remember to stay well hydrated this summer! Contact us to get the right supplements for your specific needs.
BeWell!
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