When we think about our health, we tend to focus on the big picture items like diet, exercise, and sleep. But there’s a surprising element that plays a huge role in our overall health and wellbeing: magnesium.

Magnesium is a mineral that’s essential for a healthy body and mind, and most of us don’t get enough of it.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that’s found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish. It plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including:.

Regulating blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy heartbeat
Keeping bones strong
Creating energy in the body
Maintaining healthy nerve function

The Connection Between Magnesium and Your Mind

In addition to the physical benefits, magnesium is also essential for a healthy mind. It’s been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

One reason for this is that magnesium plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters, chemicals that help relay messages between the brain and the body.

Studies have shown that magnesium is particularly effective at reducing symptoms of depression in people who have low levels of the mineral.

In fact, one study found that taking a magnesium supplement was just as effective as taking an antidepressant medication for people with mild to moderate depression.

The Connection Between Magnesium and Your Blood Sugar

Another surprising benefit of magnesium is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Magnesium plays a key role in insulin sensitivity, which is the body’s ability to use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

When we don’t have enough magnesium in our diets, our body’s insulin sensitivity can decrease, leading to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Several studies have found that supplementing with magnesium can improve insulin sensitivity and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In one study, people who took a magnesium supplement for 16 weeks had a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar levels compared to those who took a placebo.

How to Get More Magnesium

The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies depending on age and gender, but most adults need between 300-400 mg per day. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diets. Some of the best sources of magnesium include:.

Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale
Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa
Nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds
Fish like salmon and mackerel
Legumes like black beans and lentils

If you’re not getting enough magnesium from your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement. Magnesium supplements come in many forms, including pills, powders, and liquids.

Talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement to make sure it’s safe for you.

The Bottom Line

Magnesium is an often overlooked but incredibly important mineral for our health and wellbeing. It’s essential for a healthy body and mind, and can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium in your diet, or consider taking a supplement if you’re not.