We all supplement Now, if someone had asked me three months ago what magnesium was and what it does, I wouldn’t have been able to give you a clear answer right away.
Admittedly, I am quite critical of the recent fad for supplements. Of course, it is good to supplement with supplements to make up for nutritional deficiencies, but you should not take them indiscriminately. For me, it is essential to educate yourself and consult a doctor if necessary.
But when I asked my doctor a few months ago what could help with my fatigue and sleep problems, she said, “A little magnesium can’t hurt.” And she was right.
In general, magnesium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the body and supports a variety of important functions, including the cardiovascular system, muscle regeneration, and energy production.
Like all dietary supplements, magnesium is found in foods and you can increase your intake through your diet. Magnesium content is particularly high in seeds and cereal products. Green leafy vegetables and fish are also good sources of this mineral.
I don’t eat much breakfast, maybe cook some fish or have some spinach once a week, so this is a great time to get some extra magnesium from a supplement.
“Supplements are exactly what they sound like: supplements that complement a healthy diet to help you feel your best,” agrees Jessica Sepel, founder of JSHealth.
Magnesium also supports the relaxation process, Sepel says.
“It’s great for keeping your mood up and supporting your nervous system, and it’s also a great ally in stress management – it stimulates GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that reduces the body’s stress response and creates a feeling of calm and relaxation,” she says.
For this reason, it’s often recommended to take magnesium before bed, so that’s exactly what I did.
For the test, I researched various magnesium supplements in advance and got advice from my doctor about the ingredients and dosage. For the self-test, I chose “Advanced Magnesium+” by JSHealth, which is also available as a subscription. One pack contains a one-month supply if you take the supplement twice a day, following the daily recommended intake.
All I wanted was a good night’s sleep, no post-sport muscle pain, and lots of renewed energy.
Good things take time, so it took about a month for the effects to kick in. Around day 30, I noticed that I had slept better for the last three nights than I had in a long time. I fell asleep much faster, but at the same time, I was able to sleep through the night. This is really special for me.
Before taking magnesium, it took me at least 30 minutes to fall asleep because as soon as I rested, I would get lost in thought. I also woke up at least once during the night. After day 30, I noticed that I was more relaxed when I woke up each day. I no longer wanted to doze off and I would get up as soon as I woke up. Who would have thought I would be getting out of bed so quickly?
