What do we know about magnesium? Or Mg, to give it its proper title and classification. For most of us, it evokes memories of the Periodic Table on a paint-peeled wall above a rack of old test tubes.

In fact, how many of us still think it is simply some sort of metal strip that ignites when an excited class watches the teacher hold it over a Bunsen burner? Quite a few, possibly…

Do we even know anything about the functions, why it is necessary or how to make sure we enrich our bodies with this vital element? Not to mention what happens when we don’t get enough of it. It is a fair assumption that the answer is “probably not”.  So, read on.

What is it?

Magnesium is absolutely essential to the human body. In fact, it is involved in over 300 chemical reactions inside us! The most important ones are converting food into energy, helping protein functions (growth and repair) and regulating the brain and nervous system, which controls how well we sleep and relax. It is also important for healthy bones (which are in fact 60% magnesium!). It helps maintain muscle strength and is therefore of paramount importance in our being able to move and carrying out our day-to-day grind. You bet your life it’s important! But don’t gamble..

The ins and outs

So firstly, how much do we need, who needs it the most and where do we get it? Well, the recommended daily allowance is around 300mg for men, and slightly less at 270mg for women, on average.

It is thought that around 70% of people throughout Europe and the United States are not getting enough of this vital mineral*.

According to various nutritional surveys, it seems that it is mainly young adults and in particular women, that have the lowest levels. The elderly are also prone to being below the recommended intake.

It is also highly recommended that athletes (or indeed anyone who does a fair amount of exercise), and those with Type 2 diabetes, should increase their levels even more.

As far as our bodies are concerned, magnesium intake is something that most of us probably take for granted and do not even give a second thought to. Unlike the more familiar nutrients – the proteins, irons and carbs of this world – magnesium, its benefits and its associated sources do not trip off the tongue quite as quickly.

Where do we find it?

For magnesium-rich foods, look no further than spinach (and leafy greens in general), avocadoes, salmon, dark chocolate and tofu. They hit the mark, won’t break the bank and won’t have you scurrying around every nook and cranny in your local supermarket. For the more adventurous there’s always pumpkin seeds or the dreaded Shredded Wheat, but let’s not go down such a dark path.

Help is at hand

The bottom line is, even with a healthy balanced diet incorporating some or most of the above, it is often the case that people still might be missing enough magnesium in their diets. This is why there are supplements of course, and these days there are other ways and means to get the recommended daily allowance in addition to what you consume as food.

BetterYou is here to help, well, YOU, and nope, we aren’t just talking tablets or capsules. Indeed, our digestive systems are not the best at absorbing nutrients, hence there now being various creams and sprays also available as alternatives.

BetterYou’s magnesium body sprays and oils are perfect for topping up your levels after the shower, (remember gym lovers, you need even more!) and the magnesium bath flakes are an excellent choice for those who prefer a long and leisurely soak. Unlike ingesting capsules or tablets, these alternative forms are absorbed quickly and efficiently into the skin, providing your aching, tired muscles with the healing they need after a gruelling workout or a hard day in the office.

Magnesium Body Lotion, RRP £9.95

Magnesium Oil Body Spray, RRP £12.95

What happens if we don’t get enough?

Well as you can guess, it isn’t good news. A host of various ailments can ensue. Physical ailments – weakened immune systems, a lack of energy, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms to name a few.

While physical ailments will always remain a constant fear, obviously these days, in 2022, mental health and wellbeing are equally as important and are a hot topic amidst the whirlwinds of social media.

Mind matters

The stresses of modern life are tough enough, and obviously Covid-has exacerbated this to epic levels. Lockdowns, a daily dose of Boris, Cabin Fever, lack of social contact – all grim enough for even the most hardy of souls to cope with, so it is important to combat all this by boosting one of the main weapons in the body’s arsenal: a healthy mind.

Maintaining healthy levels of this element is essential to building a strong nervous system which will help us relax and reduce anxiety and stress.

Stress and anxiety can often be attributed to simply a lack of sleep. Forget Covid for a second if you can. We humans have suffered from insomnia now and again since the dawn of time, for different reasons. It has been proven that those who have higher levels of, you guessed it, not only experience a much better night but also wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. it provides the body with the defence it needs to block out the world and its worries.

Magnesium Bath Flakes, from £2.95

Therefore, BetterYou’s sleep supplements have just the ticket, combining magnesium with chamomile and other relaxing ingredients. Simply rubbed into the skin,  What’s more, BetterYou is committed to a more sustainable approach to plastic packaging beginning with the transformation of its entire product range to plant-based plastic or that made from ocean waste – all 100% recyclable. For more information, visit BetterYou.com

*Source: National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2012. Public Health England