We all know about the vitamins we need, to make sure we fire on all cylinders, but what about the minerals?

Your body needs a wide variety of minerals to survive and function properly. When you lack any of these essential minerals, you start to feel out of sorts, sluggish, and in some cases sick.

The problem is, most people don’t realise they may have a mineral deficiency and write off their tiredness as ‘just one of those things.’

Could you be one of them?

Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese, and selenium all play a part in our wellbeing. And in most cases, we can get enough of each through eating a healthy and varied diet.

But did you know, the NHS recommends a daily dose of 300mg of magnesium a day for men, and 270mg a day for women?

And according to a recent study, 80% of us aren’t getting that through diet alone.

Magnesium is vital for muscle and nerve function, regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure, maintaining bone health and turning the food we eat into energy.

So, if you’re regularly feeling a little lacklustre, a magnesium deficiency could be the reason why.

You can find magnesium in greens, nuts, seeds, dried beans and whole grains. But most of us Brits simply don’t eat enough of those types of food. For some, a supplement represents a sensible way to boost your daily intake.

Exercise regularly? Magnesium is even more important for you.

Muscle cramps and soreness when you work out are sure signs of depleted magnesium levels. If you frequently find yourself pummelling your calf muscles in a bid to relieve pain, it may be that magnesium is the one mineral you didn’t know you’re missing from your life. And could make all the difference.

It’s no secret that many top athletes use magnesium in the form of Epsom Salt, added liberally to a warm bath, to ease muscle aches. It’s an age-old remedy for pain relief. As is a good soak in a deep tub!

It’s one way to top up your magnesium levels, while also relieving performance related pains brought about by exercise.

According to one of the world’s leading health and wellness retailers, Holland & Barrett, ‘Epsom Salt’s origins began as one of the first natural spas in the UK, in the early 17th Century. Tradition tells that the water was discovered by Henry Wicker, a farmer who noticed that his cattle would not drink the water, and on tasting it himself noticed the bitter quality unlike ordinary water which is due to the rich mineral content. Epsom soon became renowned as a spa destination and people would flock from all over the country to drink the ‘medicinal, healing waters’ from the Epsom well. Although no longer sourced in Epsom due to the well being closed in the early 20th century, magnesium and sulfate are found in many natural sources and have since been combined and used widely in healthcare for a wide variety of applications.’*

Most Epsom Salt manufacturers suggest running a warm bath, adding salts according to the pack instructions and relaxing for 20 minutes to feel the full benefit.

Sounds like a great way to boost your magnesium levels and reinvigorate your mind, right?

There are other, more tasty alternatives to magnesium supplements too. Have you tried Oh Lily snacks? Check them out. They’re the brainchild of two sisters with a passion for health and food, as you will attest when you try their crunchy water lily seeds. They’re naturally sugar and gluten free, have a low glycaemic index, and are plant based, as well as being a natural source of iron and that mineral missing from your life – magnesium.

The lovely girls at Oh Lily! have offer us £5 off your first purchase with promo code: CLEARO2 before 15th May 2021.

So if you’re one of the many who are feeling a little below par at the moment. Maybe consider upping your magnesium for a boost to both your body and mind.

*Source: Holland & Barrett