The Importance of Magnesium for Autoimmunity

Did you know that magnesium deficiency can trigger the development of autoimmunity, and also worsen the symptoms of chronic illnesses?

The Importance of Magnesium for Autoimmunity: Most people do not maintain proper levels of magnesium.

Including magnesium in your diet, or supplementation with magnesium – if suggested by a competent health care professional, has the ability to boost your health!

Magnesium is sometimes regarded as a soothing mineral since it has the ability to relax our muscles and supply a sense of calmness. Our nerves also depend upon magnesium to avoid becoming over-excited. 

The use of magnesium as a muscle relaxer or before-bed sleep aid is familiar to many individuals who have taken magnesium and noticed it’s calming effects on the body and mind. Because it works to keep muscles properly relaxed, magnesium can be especially beneficial to those struggling with Fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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The Importance of Magnesium for Autoimmunity: Magnesium is usually referred to as a “macromineral.”

This means that our food must provide us with hundreds of milligrams of magnesium every day. Like all minerals, magnesium cannot be made in our body by itself, and must therefore be plentiful in our diet or used supplementally in order for us to remain healthy.

Not to mention that those with the autoimmune thyroid disorder Hashimoto’s commonly struggle with constipation as well as magnesium deficiency. So in the case of Hashi’s or for those who struggle to have bowel movements, adding magnesium can help to make trips to the bathroom more successful! 

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to many biological processes that occur in the body. It aids in the body’s absorption of calcium and also plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth. 

It’s also vital for maintaining a healthy heart. It can help stabilize the rhythm of the heart, prevent abnormal blood clotting in the heart, and aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. This can significantly lower the chance of heart attacks and strokes, and can even aid in recovery.

The Importance of Magnesium for Autoimmunity: Magnesium rich, AIP-compliant foods include:

• Spinach
• Avocado
• Banana
• Salmon
• Halibut
• Raisins
• Chicken
• Beef
• Broccoli
• Apple
• Carrot

You can find many of these magnesium-rich foods in this post here about AIP Snacks, as well as in my AIP compliant recipes!

Though since much of the soil that is used to grow our food supply has sadly been depleted of magnesium, our produce in these modern times are unfortunately also deficient in this vital mineral! 

So getting your magnesium from food sources in sufficient amounts may prove to be quite the challenge. 

This is why the two types of magnesium supplements that Dr. Izabella Wentz suggests for autoimmune patients are:

• Magnesium Malate – Best taken earlier in the day for gentle, non-stimulating energy.

• Magnesium Glycinate – Best for those with sensitive digestion. Taken before bed due to its relaxing properties

NOTE: Magnesium Citrate may need to be avoided being taken on a regular basis due to its ability to cause gas, cramping, and excessively loose stools. Though it may be a good “in case of emergency” when constipation and severe bodily fatigue are overly bothersome.

It’s always best to talk to a great doctor about which supplements are best for you and your condition!

Do you take magnesium or include magnesium-rich foods in your diet?

Leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experience with magnesium!

XO,