Magnesium 101
Welcome back to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast! I’m Laura Ollinger, and today I’m thrilled to have Natalie Gerardo from Rooted In with us. Natalie is a magnesium expert, and she’s here to share everything moms need to know about this essential mineral. From understanding its benefits to incorporating it into your family’s routine, we cover it all in this episode. Let’s dive in!
The Importance of Magnesium
Natalie started by explaining the fundamental role of magnesium in our bodies. It’s involved in over 700 biochemical reactions, impacting nerve function, muscle health, blood sugar regulation, and stress levels. Essentially, magnesium helps our bodies run smoothly, ensuring we feel our best.
Signs of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is often called the “invisible deficiency” because its symptoms can be easily overlooked. Common signs include:
Chronic headaches or migraines
Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Restless legs, muscle twitching, or cramping
Joint inflammation
Hormonal imbalances
Anxiety and depression
High blood sugar or cholesterol levels
These symptoms are widespread and can often be misdiagnosed as other conditions. If you or your kids are experiencing any of these issues, it might be worth looking into magnesium levels.
Natalie’s Personal Journey
Natalie shared her personal journey with magnesium, which started about nine years ago. She struggled with severe insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks. Despite eating a clean diet, exercising, and making lifestyle changes, she found no relief. It wasn’t until she discovered magnesium that she began to see improvements. Within a week of using magnesium, she went from sleeping two hours a night to six and saw a significant reduction in anxiety and panic attacks.
Teenagers and Magnesium
Teenagers are particularly at risk for magnesium deficiency. They often resist eating magnesium-rich foods like dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. As parents, we control what foods come into the house, so it’s crucial to encourage a balanced diet. Sneaking spinach into smoothies or adding greens to pasta sauce are great ways to boost magnesium intake.
Magnesium Products and Supplementation
Natalie’s company, Rooted In, offers magnesium products designed to be easy to use and effective. She worked with chemists to create a lotion that contains a therapeutic amount of magnesium. This lotion feels like a regular moisturizer but actively boosts magnesium levels through the skin. Topical magnesium can be particularly helpful for targeting specific issues, such as muscle cramps or restless legs.
Combining Oral and Topical Magnesium
Natalie recommends a combination of oral and topical magnesium. Oral supplements help make up for dietary deficits, while topical applications can target specific areas of need. For oral supplements, she advises avoiding magnesium oxide, which is poorly absorbed, and instead choosing forms like glycinate, malate, threonate, or taurate.
Practical Tips for Using Magnesium
For those struggling with sleep, taking magnesium in the evening can support the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Natalie emphasizes that magnesium helps the body function as it should, supporting energy production during the day and promoting relaxation at night.
How to Get Rooted In Products
You can find Natalie’s products and a wealth of information on magnesium at Rooted In. They also offer helpful resources like magnesium guides, cheat sheets, and quizzes on their social media channels. Follow them at @berootedin on all platforms.
Final Thoughts
Magnesium is a game-changer for many health issues that we might not realize are related to a deficiency. Whether you’re dealing with stress, sleep issues, or muscle cramps, adding magnesium to your routine could make a significant difference.
Call to Action
If you found this information helpful, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Natalie Gerardo for more in-depth insights. Visit Rooted In to explore their magnesium products and resources. Let’s take proactive steps towards better health for ourselves and our families.
Thank you for joining us, and stay positively healthy!
