Our endocrine system is a beautifully complex network of hormone producing glands that regulate bodily functions and help keep us healthy. These hormones not only affect specific organs in our body, but they also affect one another. Because they are integrally interconnected, a slight imbalance can throw off our bodily functions and adversely impact our health. This can lead to a host of health problems such as: sleep issues, fatigue, poor memory or concentration, mood problems, weight gain/loss, temperature sensitivity, bloating, aches and pains, irregular menstrual cycles, increase in blood pressure, irregular heart rates, or even depression.
Magnesium - an essential nutrient to balance hormones
For people who recognise the signs of a hormonal imbalance they are often told to increase their intake of certain nutrients. The most common ones you would hear are B Vitamins, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamin D. However, one of the most essential (but not often mentioned) nutrients to help balance hormones is Magnesium.
This super powered mineral helps support healthy hormonal balance by:
- Producing energy - it binds with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an important energy molecule
- Encouraging quality of sleep - by calming the brain via blocking stimulating neurotransmitters (Glutamate) to NDMA receptors.
- Supporting optimal thyroid function - by reducing underlying inflammation that causes autoimmune responses.
- Promoting blood sugar balance - by helping control insulin production and reducing sugar cravings, as such preventing blood sugar spikes.
- Regulating cortisol levels - by relaxing the nervous system and preventing the uptake of cortisol into the brain.
Magnesium is also a critical component in hormone creation. Hormones like progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are created with the help of magnesium.
The recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is around 320 milligrams per day. However, stress and conditions like thyroid autoimmune disease can rob people of magnesium. They would need to take more than the RDA in order to bring their health up to optimum levels.
Tips to replenish Magnesium naturally
To replenish our magnesium levels, here are some examples of magnesium rich foods that we can incorporate into a healthy diet:
- Green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach and kale)
- Fruit (figs, avocado, banana and raspberries)
- Brown rice
- Nuts and seeds
- Okra
- Swiss chard
- Buckwheat and millet
- Legumes (black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans)
- Vegetables (peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, brussels sprouts)
- Fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
- Whole grains (brown rice and oats)
- Raw cacao
- Dark Chocolate
- Tofu
- Beans (baked beans, lima beans)
- Seaweed (kelp, kombu and dulse)
You can also increase your magnesium intake by taking supplements like Magnesium glycinate, Magnesium citrate, Magnesium oxide, or even Topical magnesium. Ask your doctor for more information on these magnesium supplements.
Vanilla Happy is packed full of magnesium
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Vanilla Happy is designed to support women of any age, who experience PMS symptoms, adrenal fatigue (brain fog), sleep problems, stress or need a boost of energy. It can also help alleviate mild hot flushes, should you be going through peri-menopause.
Using 100% natural plant based ingredients, Vanilla Happy is a blend of adaptogens, herbs and superfoods that work with your body to help restore balance.
