Ever finish a workout convinced that you're definitely going to get a good night's sleep, and then still don't get decent shut-eye? Lying there at 3:17 a.m. thinking about how much work you've got to do in the office, that argument you had with your boss earlier, and how the day ahead will probably drag on because you've had yet another two and a half hours of sleep?
When your body is drained but your mind is wired, chances are that your body is crying out for magnesium. In fact, chances are that stress is a major cause of magnesium deficiency.
A lack of magnesium then intensifies your reaction to stress, worsening the problem, and your levels of this magic mineral can also drop further during intense exercise. So, what's the answer to get out of this cycle?
Magnesium oil.
Dr. Mark Sircus, author of Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, describes magnesium oil as "one of the most powerful medicines on the planet." He writes, "After oxygen, water, and basic food, magnesium may be the most important element needed by our bodies, vitally important yet hardly known."
Many top athletes are taking advantage of this miracle mineral, and here are six reasons magnesium oil should be part of your workout recovery too:
1. It brings your body back into balance.
Levels of the stress hormone cortisol are elevated following exercise. Magnesium oil helps reduce cortisol and keeps it in check.
2. It reduces muscle soreness and cramp.
Magnesium relaxes and soothes muscles—exactly what you need after a tough workout or playing sports.
3. It calms the nervous system.
Many of us suffer from the mind racing when our bodies are tired. Magnesium deals with this problem by inhibiting cortisol and adrenaline, bringing on a sense of calm.
4. It Increases levels of DHEA.
Numerous studies have shown that supplementing with magnesium increases levels of "master hormone" DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA is a precursor to the production of the male and female sex hormones and is crucial to the healthy functioning of the body.
5. It improves sleep.
Magnesium is a dream supplement for a deep, restful night of sleep. Nothing I've tried comes close. One of the reasons for this is that it relaxes GABA receptors in the brain and nervous system.
6. It boosts your immune system.
Magnesium has over 300 functions in the body, and the most important one is that it supports a healthy immune system. It is recommended that men and women take between 300 and 400 milligrams of magnesium per day.
Dark leafy greens, nuts, fish, whole grains, and dark chocolate are among the best food sources of magnesium, and eight sprays of magnesium oil provides 100 milligrams. I personally use Ancient Minerals magnesium chloride, and a bottle lasts around two months.
Get ready to have awesome sleep and better all-around recovery from your workouts.
Marc McLean is a journalist and health and fitness blogger from Loch Lomond in Scotland. He helps men and women build muscle, burn fat, and become stronger and healthier through his "Non-Meathead" approach to weight training and a healthy diet.
His Non-Meathead philosophy focuses on optimal overall health, strength and balance. It does not involve training 5, 6, 7 days per week—or following some strict military style diet that never lasts in the long run.