Magnesium's role in neurotransmitters
Magnesium plays a role in influencing neurotransmitters in the body. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses, the junctions between nerve cells, vital for brain function and influencing everything from mood to muscle control.
As a mineral, magnesium is part of the regulation of two key neurotransmitters: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it reduces neuronal excitability, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
On the other hand, glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning and memory. While essential, excessive glutamate activity can impact the health of nerve cells. Magnesium acts as a natural glutamate antagonist, helping to prevent excessive excitation. This balance between excitation and inhibition is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system, and magnesium is an important part of the process.
Magnesium and nerves
Magnesium is also involved in the transmission of nerve signals, a process that is fundamental to the functioning of the nervous system. Nerve cells, or neurons, communicate by generating electrical impulses. These impulses are created by the movement of ions, including magnesium, across the cell membrane.
Therefore, inadequate magnesium intake may lead to poor nerve signal transmission, resulting in a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, and even muscle cramps.
Given its wide-ranging effects, ensuring adequate magnesium intake is beneficial for supporting both the nervous system and overall general health and wellbeing.
Sources of magnesium
Incorporating magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, into the diet can help maintain optimal magnesium levels. In some cases, supplementation may become a consideration, particularly for individuals experiencing symptoms related to low dietary magnesium.
Herbs of Gold offer magnesium supplementation in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, powders, a chewable tablet and even a cream.
Some of the Herbs of Gold magnesium range includes Magnesium Forte, a high-strength magnesium formula containing four well-absorbed, organic forms of magnesium to support muscle health and healthy muscle contraction function. Magnesium Citrate 900, is the highly bioavailable citrate form of magnesium useful for relieving symptoms of premenstrual tension, reducing menstrual cramps and menstrual pain, while also reducing the occurrence of mild migraines.
In addition to these two very popular magnesium options is our magnesium night range. Herbs of Gold Magnesium Night and Herbs of Gold Magnesium Night Plus. Magnesium Night is a tablet containing high-strength magnesium glycinate in combination with Passionflower and California poppy, herbs traditionally used in Western herbal medicine (WHM) to relieve sleeplessness and promote sleep. Magnesium Night Plus is a similar formula but available in a pleasant tasting citrus berry flavoured powder combining magnesium glycinate with magnesium citrate and nutritional co-factors, while also utilising the benefits of Passionflower and California poppy.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
