Julie Hambleton

Julie Hambleton

May 22, 2024

I Drank Magnesium for 7 Days, Here’s Why it was the Best Decision Ever

Opinion

Over the last decade or so of my life, I have done my best to transform my diet and lifestyle habits. Despite my efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle by a balanced, organic diet, as well as engaging in regular exercise, I still found myself grappling with occasional bouts of anxiety and insomnia. Reluctant to rely on medication due to the potential side effects, I explored natural remedies such as valerian and melatonin, but the results were inconsistent. However, when I witnessed a close friend experience remarkable improvements in her health and well-being after incorporating magnesium into her routine, I became intrigued. This piqued my curiosity and prompted me to purchase a well-known brand called Natural Calm. I have to be honest; I was skeptical at first, dismissing it as just another passing trend. Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. This is what I experienced when I drank magnesium for seven days in a row.

What is Magnesium and What is its Role in the Body?

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Magnesium is an essential mineral that serves numerous important functions in the human body. It plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, supports a healthy immune system, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and contributes to the production of energy and protein. With the modern-day diet often lacking in magnesium-rich foods, many people may benefit from incorporating magnesium supplements into their daily routine. (1)

Read More: 32 Signs You Have a Magnesium Deficiency & The Foods You Need to Start Eating Immediately

Why Drink Magnesium?

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After hearing about the numerous health benefits associated with magnesium, I became intrigued and decided to embark on a personal experiment. I was particularly interested in its purported ability to support relaxation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate muscle tension, as these were areas that I felt could use some improvement in my own life.

As I began doing some more research, I found that a significant number of individuals today suffer from magnesium deficiency. Estimates suggest that up to 80 percent of the population is not getting an adequate amount of this essential mineral. Only 25 percent of American adults consume the recommended daily amount of magnesium – 400 to 420 milligrams for men and 310 to 320 milligrams for women. Surprisingly, many individuals remain unaware that this deficiency could be the underlying cause of various health issues they experience. However, magnesium is a vital nutrient required by all organs in the body, so it makes sense that lacking it can have detrimental effects on our well-being. (2)

Anxiety and insomnia are two common symptoms of magnesium deficiency, and interestingly, I personally try to maintain a healthy diet by avoiding processed foods. So, I found it puzzling that I could still be lacking this nutrient. My research revealed that modern farming practices and lifestyle factors such as stress and excessive caffeine consumption could contribute to magnesium deficiency even in those who eat nutritious food. This revelation resonated with me deeply.

One crucial role of magnesium is its ability to relax the brain, facilitating the onset and maintenance of sleep. Additionally, it plays a vital role in the functioning of the central nervous system. Therefore, insufficient magnesium levels can lead to anxiety and insomnia. This was enough to convince me to give it a try. I decided to dedicate a week to see if there would be any noticeable changes in my well-being.

My Magnesium Experiment: Drinking Magnesium for 7 Days

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I set out to drink a magnesium supplement daily for a week to see if it would make a noticeable difference in how I felt physically and mentally. I opted for a high-quality magnesium citrate powder that could be easily mixed into a glass of water, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness.

Read More: 17 Foods High in Magnesium You NEED in Your Diet (see list)

The Results

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Replenishing magnesium levels in the body is a gradual process, as the body can only absorb a limited amount of any nutrient at a given time. Therefore, depending on the severity of the deficiency, it may take some time to restore magnesium levels to a point where noticeable improvement in symptoms occurs. Understanding this, I did not anticipate experiencing immediate results. It is commonly believed that the effectiveness of a supplement is influenced by its quality, with higher-quality supplements working more efficiently. However, the specific timeline for me to observe significant changes remained uncertain. This is what happened to me over the course of my 7-day experiment:

Day 1: On Sunday night, I took my first half-teaspoon of magnesium and mixed it into a glass of water with a squeeze of lemon for flavor. I was half-hoping for an instant sleep-inducing effect like Ambien, even though I knew that was unlikely. As expected, there wasn’t a significant difference in my sleep quality, but it also wasn’t one of my worst nights ever. I managed to sleep for six hours. It was hard to tell, though, if this improvement could be attributed to the magnesium or if it was simply psychological.

Day 2: Throughout the day, I noticed a greater sense of calm compared to my usual state, until of course the usual unexpected stresses of a regular Monday hit. Naturally, that caused stress that even magnesium can’t necessarily help with. Surprisingly, despite the added stress, I slept better that night compared to previous nights, getting around seven hours of sleep. This progress encouraged me, and since I experienced no negative side effects, I decided to increase my dosage to a teaspoon.

Day 3: Following a restful night’s sleep, I woke up with a more positive mindset. I took a few deep breaths and made a conscious decision to have a better day – and it worked. I felt more in control of my emotions. When faced with a rude coworker, I managed to respond with kindness, saying rather than letting the situation trigger anxiety, which was my usual response.

Day 4: The trend of excellent sleep continues, and today, I felt again relaxed, calm, and almost anxiety-free.

Day 5: Thanks to the improved quality of my sleep, my energy levels have significantly increased. I noticed that little things that used to bother me, like a loud-talker on the metro or a coworker who chews with their mouth open, no longer bother me as much.

Day 6: My anxiety has noticeably decreased. Last night, I even enjoyed over eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Day 7: It is clear that my experiment has yielded positive results. I feel confident enough to increase my dosage to the recommended amount of two teaspoons per day.

Should You Be Drinking Magnesium?

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Based on my personal experience, I believe that many people could benefit from incorporating a magnesium supplement into their daily routine. Whether you struggle with stress, muscle tension, poor sleep, or low energy levels, magnesium may offer some relief and support in these areas. That being said, it is always important to speak with your doctor before adding in any new supplements, especially if you are on medications or prescribed supplements already. Nothing in our bodies acts in a silo, and everyone can have a different reaction. Clear communication with your medical practitioner can help reduce health scares and problems.

How to Start Drinking Magnesium

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If you are considering incorporating a magnesium supplement into your daily routine, it’s important to choose a high-quality product that is easily absorbed by the body. Magnesium citrate powder, like the one I used, is an excellent option. There are different types of magnesium, and some can cause gastric irritation and frequent trips to the bathroom, so be mindful of which kind you are purchasing and do your research thoroughly.

The Bottom Line

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My 7-day experiment of drinking magnesium was truly eye-opening. The positive impact it had on my overall well-being was undeniable. From improved sleep quality to reduced muscle tension and a greater sense of calm, the benefits were far-reaching. I’m convinced that for anyone seeking to support their health in a natural and holistic way, incorporating a magnesium supplement could be a game-changer. My experience has certainly led me to believe that it was the best decision I could have made for my health.

Editor’s Note: This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

Read More: 11 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Magnesium and 20 Foods to Fix It

Sources

  1. Magnesium.” NIH
  2. Dietary magnesium intake in a national sample of US adults.” Pubmed. Earl S Ford and Ali H Mokdad. September 2003.


    Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.

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