Belly Fat Burner #2: Magnify Your Results With Magnesium

As many as “90 percent of Americans don't get the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium from their diet alone.” [1] Magnesium is involved in over 300 different biochemical reactions in our bodies.[2]

It regulates activities of enzymes, reduces inflammation, helps muscles and nerves function properly, and helps your body utilize various nutrients. Without it, the fats, proteins and carbohydrates consumed daily could not be used properly.

Magnesium works to activate certain enzymes that tell the body whether it is receiving enough food to satisfy its needs. Further, magnesium helps the body feel energized. It is common to feel fatigued if you’re not getting the recommended daily allowance.

Vigorous exercise can especially deplete your magnesium storage. So if you want to have consistent energy for your workouts, then make sure you’re constantly replenishing your magnesium levels.

Additionally, magnesium competes with sodium for absorption in your body. When you have enough of this mineral, your body will flush out the salt that wasn’t effectively absorbed. This helps diminish the appearance of cellulite while the extraction of fluids and cellular waste temporarily makes you slimmer.

Lastly, magnesium helps control insulin (we’ll explain more about the importance of insulin later). According to Livestrong.com, “When you consume enough magnesium, insulin functions accordingly and blood glucose is used for energy. But when you are deficient in magnesium, insulin functions poorly which causes high glucose and fat storage.” [3]

Hence, getting enough magnesium could keep you from gaining weight.

If you want to unwind and raise your magnesium levels at the same time, add Epsom salt to a bath. Magnesium is the first component of Epsom salt and will effectively be absorbed through your skin. I can tell you it’s extremely relaxing, but since I’ve had 2 kids and a growing to do list, taking a bath is not realistic for me right now. But who knows, maybe you’ll find some down time to do this.

If you just laughed at the thought of having down time, then take a supplement like me. You want between 400 and 500 mg of magnesium per day. There are many forms of Magnesium (i.e. malate, citrate, oxide, glycinate, bicarbonate)

I recommend taking either Magnesium malate or Magnesium citrate. These forms are better tolerated in digestion and are absorbed well. If you have a history of kidney stones (calcium oxalate stones) then consider taking Magnesium citrate. Magnesium and citric acid may help in preventing formation of kidney stones.

References

[1] Shomon, Mary. "What You Need To Know About The Benefits Of Magnesium." About Health. About Health, 26 May 2005. Web.

[2] "Benefits of Bathing with Epsom Salt." Epsom Salt Council. Epsom Salt Council, 2014. Web.

[3] Watson, Lindsey. "Magnesium Dosage & Weight Loss." Livestrong. Livestrong, 16 Aug. 2013. Web.