Magnesium: the missing link to better health
- Mabel Au-Yeung
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Low magnesium can impact overall well-being, especially as we age. Here’s why it matters—and how to get enough.
A while ago, I was stressed and struggling to sleep—until a friend suggested I might need more magnesium. Skeptical but hopeful, I gave it a shot. To my surprise, I felt noticeably better. That’s when I realised just how essential magnesium is, especially for older adults like us, the Silverithmics.
Why magnesium matters
Often called the “power mineral”, magnesium is essential for over 300 biochemical processes, supporting bone health, muscle recovery, brain function, energy production, and stress resilience. It helps maintain blood pressure, joint health, skin vitality, and heart function while boosting endurance. Magnesium also aids in stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, pain relief, migraines, immune health, and weight management.
In short, magnesium is a powerhouse for overall well-being, playing a crucial role in both physical and mental health.
Our bodies contain about 25 grams of magnesium, with 60% stored in bones, 39% in cells, muscles, and connective tissues, and only 1% in blood plasma. Unlike calcium, magnesium cannot be stored, so a daily intake is essential for maintaining health.
How much magnesium do older adults need?
✔️ Men: 420 mg per day ✔️ Women: 320 mg per day
Yet many don’t get enough, leading to weaker bones, poor circulation, metabolic imbalances, skin issues, mental health struggles, and lowered immunity.
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How magnesium supports ageing bodies
🔹 Bone & joint health – Magnesium activates vitamin D to aid calcium absorption, keeping bones strong and reducing osteoporosis risk.
🔹 Heart & circulation support – Helps regulate blood pressure and prevents calcium buildup in arteries, supporting overall heart health.
🔹 Muscle relaxation & pain relief – Magnesium balances muscle contractions—while calcium tightens muscles, magnesium relaxes them—preventing cramps, tension, and migraines.
🔹 Metabolism & weight loss – Enhances fat metabolism, improves endurance, and helps maintain cell energy levels.
🔹 Skin & nerve health – Supports skin cell regeneration and joint flexibility, benefiting both skin vitality and mobility.
🔹 Stress, sleep & mental well-being – Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, and regulates melatonin for better rest.
🔹 Blood sugar regulation & diabetes support – Improves glucose management, aiding those with diabetes and metabolic conditions.
🔹 Respiratory function – Relaxes airway muscles, helping those with respiratory concerns breathe more easily.
🔹 Immune system & inflammation control – Strengthens immune response, fights free radicals, and reduces inflammation tied to ageing diseases.
How to get more magnesium
🔹 Food sources – Found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, oily fish, bananas, and nut butters, though only 50% of magnesium from food is absorbed.
🔹 Oral supplements – Tablets and liquids absorb only 20%, and factors like high calcium, fat, protein, and alcohol can further reduce effectiveness.
🔹 Topical magnesium – 100% absorbed through the skin, making it ideal for muscle recovery, relaxation, and stress relief.
A personal discovery: topical magnesium
Recently, I came across Of The Islands, a Dutch line of topical magnesium products sourced from the ancient Zechstein Sea, an untouched reservoir buried 1,500 metres underground, known for its purity.
I tried their Pure Strength Magnesium Balm and loved its rich, buttery texture. It absorbs quickly and noticeably helps with muscle recovery—whether after exercise or simply easing everyday aches and pains. An added bonus: unlike many ointments, it’s fragrance-free.
Their Magnesium Scrub was another great find. With all the pollution and environmental stressors we face, this scrub does more than exfoliate—it revitalises my skin while leaving me feeling refreshed and energised.
For anyone considering topical magnesium, Of The Islands is a simple and natural option worth exploring.
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