The importance of magnesium for a healthy gut and digestion

The importance of magnesium for a healthy gut and digestion

Ever wondered why your gut health is such a big deal? Well, here’s the inside scoop: your gut isn’t just about digestion— it impacts the entire body. The bacteria in your gut is in constant communication with your brain, influencing various aspects of overall well-being, from mood to metabolism and even sleep.

And believe it or not, about 70% of your immune system hangs out in your gut, where friendly bacteria work tirelessly to maintain a harmonious environment. This delicate balance influences your entire body’s well-being from the inside out. When things go awry in your gut, it’s like a ripple effect that can impact your overall health.

The gut-brain axis

The compounds created by our gut microbes play a key role in regulating how our brain functions—managing the production, metabolism, and transmission of important messengers called neurotransmitters.

For instance, microbes in your gut transform amino acids like tryptophan into serotonin, directly influencing your mood. Interestingly, during times of stress, cortisol release can throw off the balance in your gut, affecting the rhythm of your digestive processes.

Now, let’s explore how magnesium nurtures gut balance and supports overall digestive wellness.

Fine-tuning digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes facilitate the breakdown of food by splitting macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats into smaller ones. This allows the body to absorb the nutrients it needs. Magnesium takes the lead in the activation and regulation of digestive enzymes. By binding with these enzymes, magnesium helps them function at their peak, promoting the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body. When we are deficient in magnesium, enzyme function might take a hit, potentially leading to less-than-optimal digestion and nutrient absorption in adults.

Smooth moves: Gut motility and peristalsis

Magnesium steps up to maintain the groove in your gut. It ensures proper gut motility and peristalsis—the rhythmic contractions that move food through your digestive tract. It does this by drawing water into the bowels, also known as the ‘osmotic effect’, which softens stool and keeps things moving smoothly. Additionally, as the digestive tract is essentially one long muscle, magnesium assists with muscle relaxation, allowing food to move effectively through the digestive tract.

If magnesium levels fall short and peristalsis is impaired, it can result in irregular digestion, a buildup of unwanted bacteria, malabsorption of nutrients, and even reduced immune capacity. Symptoms of this can include constipation, bloating, and IBS.

Magnesium for a flourishing microbiome

Ever heard of the gut microbiota? Magnesium sure has. It’s the trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in the human gut. Our gut microbiome on the other hand, refers to the environment or habitat that these bacteria call home. Research suggests that when magnesium is low, it might throw off the balance and diversity of your gut microbiota. Now, why does this matter? Because a vibrant gut microbiome is your digestive superhero—it ensures proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health. An imbalance? Well, that’s been linked gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Magnesium for GERD

GERD, or chronic acid reflux, can significantly disrupt your digestive system. Magnesium steps in as a natural ally to ease this discomfort in two ways. First, it helps relax key muscles like the pyloric sphincter, the gatekeeper between your stomach and small intestines. When digestion slows due to magnesium deficiency, food lingers longer in the stomach, building pressure on the LES (lower esophageal sphincter)—the valve meant to keep stomach contents down. Magnesium’s relaxation effect on muscles is crucial here, preventing the LES from giving in to this pressure and causing acid reflux.

Additionally, magnesium is a pro at neutralizing stomach acidity. When digestion is disrupted by excessive stomach acid, magnesium swoops in to restore balance. By reducing stomach acidity, it helps prevent gas, bloating, and the consequent pressure on the LES that triggers acid reflux. It’s no surprise that many acid reflux treatments include magnesium due to its knack for taming excess stomach acidity and providing relief from GERD discomfort.

Nurture your gut with magnesium

Giving your gut the magnesium it needs is more than just a wellness tip—it’s a pathway to fostering balance, resilience, and optimal body function.

Designed for those seeking potency with enhanced gentleness, Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 140 Extra Gentle delivers more glycine to ensure magnesium absorption in spite of digestive issues. It is recommended for those with sensitive digestion, IBS, or weak stomach acid.

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