Why I Take Magnesium for My Period

Why I take magnesium for my period

In the past I’ve been someone who has suffered from painful periods. I know I’m not alone there. Day 2 or 3 is usually the one where I feel like I have been punched in the kidneys. The only way to feel better is a sofa day, some CBD oil and nice treats.

However, with a toddler in tow, the day 2 sofa session is well out the window. I’ve got to get on with it, just like I would if I was working and expected to be at a desk by 9 or a till by 8.

I started looking for ways to help with my period pains and mood swings. After lots of research, searching and chatting to people in health food shops I came across magnesium.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that the body needs. It helps with regulating blood pressure, keep bones strong, reduce stress and much more.

Magnesium is found in food that you probably eat quite often. However, you might not always get enough and adding a variety of magnesium-rich food into your diet could help to boost your magnesium levels. You can find it in foods such as:

Tofu
Legumes
Seeds
Nuts
Dark chocolate (win!)
Avocado
Fatty fish

avocados being held with two hands - magnesium for my period

How about a dinner of salmon, avocado and bean salad, sprinkled with seeds. Then, to finish off a few squares of some high cocoa percentage chocolate. Looking for the best chocolate? We share some great suggestions in our blog about the best plastic free chocolate. Check out number 2, it is the best!!

Does magnesium for periods help with symptoms?

I can only talk about my own experience here, and a little insight into some research.

Magnesium can reduce my stress

Magnesium is often used as a sleep aid. The way it helps to calm the nervous system and reduce activity in the HPA may help reduce anxiety and cortisol. I found that it helped to ease those mood swings, period induced anxiety and stress during my period.

Magnesium can help with my sleep

I found that before I started using magnesium I was tossing and turning suffering from period insomnia. However, taking a daily dose of this magnesium for periods alongside a chamomile CBD tea relaxed me into a long and deep sleep.

Magnesium may help with my cramping

Period cramps can really get in the way of life. I was struggling through the day until I found how magnesium for periods could help. It is said that it works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus and reducing those prostaglandins that cause pain.

I have also read that magnesium may also help with period headaches. However, as I don’t suffer from these I can’t confirm. But it does come on good authority so it’s worth a shot I reckon!

When do you take magnesium for periods?

I take magnesium for periods everyday. Of course, I don’t have a period 24/7 but I do have the hormones that cause mood swings. I also find that taking it everyday is more beneficial than just during my period. It helps me to sleep better and reduces my stress levels. Why wouldn’t I take it daily!

How to take magnesium for periods?

There are a few different ways in which I take magnesium for periods. They are all really easy as an added bonus.

Capsules/Pills
Magnesium spray
Magnesium bath salts
Magnesium drink
Liquid supplement
Specialist tea

Personally, I use a daily capsule. Then during my period I enjoy a magnesium bath. The warmth of the bath also helps to take the edge off any pain and de-stress me too!