What is magnesium and why is this mineral so important for our mental health?

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral that is important to many essential functions and processes in the human body. Magnesium is an essential for muscle tissue function and relaxation - but it does so much more than that! We need it to help our nerves work properly, keep blood sugar levels stable, and our blood pressure under control.

Magnesium supports numerous facets of our wellbeing, and is particularly helpful for sleep challenges, nervous system dysfunction and mental health. In fact, studies have shown that magnesium may help to ease stress, support feelings of overwhelm, aid sleep and promote mind and body relaxation. This is because magnesium is crucial to the function of our stress response system and works alongside the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that help us to feel calm and under control.

Magnesium also plays an important role in the brain by blocking the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters, binding to calming receptors, helping to regulate the release of stress hormones and acting like the brake on your body’s nervous system.

Conversely, literature shows that low levels of magnesium can increase our stress hormone levels, and feelings of anxiety that can increase our risk of insomnia, sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle pain/tightness and fatigue. High levels of physical or mental stress can also increase our need for magnesium resulting in an increased risk for low magnesium levels - a bit of a catch-22.

Magnesium's ability to reduce muscular tension, promote nervous system regulation and regulation of our inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) is what makes it so helpful for mental wellbeing and mood stability.

What are the signs that your magnesium levels might be in need of a top up for your mental health & wellbeing?

Poor sleep
Regular headaches or migraines
Poor appetite
Regular nausea
Fatigue
Muscle cramps, tension or weakness
PMS or PCOS
Feelings of hanger - blood sugar instability
Emotionally irritability
Mood swings
A sense of angst or overwhelm

Where can I get more magnesium?

Magnesium is found in a number of whole food sources i.e. green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. For many of us, the demands and stressors of modern life have us in need of more magnesium than what we can get from our daily food intake.

So what are the different types of magnesium supplements and which is most effective for supporting mental health and overall wellbeing?

Introducing BePure Magnesium Restore

BePure Magnesium Restore contains 300mg of magnesium in bisglycinate form. This high-strength, bioavailable magnesium form is paired with L-carnitine to support muscle relaxation, exercise recovery, stable moods, deep sleep, steady energy levels and stress resilience. If you are looking for a gut friendly high quality magnesium supplement - look no further - BePure Magnesium Restore has you covered.