When I find an interesting topic, I can sit for hours and read-and read some more. My husband rolls his eyes at me when I say, “Guess what I just found out?” because he knows it means we will be trying a new supplement or super food. One of those supplements I’ve learned a great deal about that has helped my family is magnesium. Here’s my story:
I am a pediatric occupational therapist with many years of experience working with children, teens and adults with a variety of concerns. As an occupational therapist, I tend to think about a person as a whole rather than focusing exclusively on a person’s problem area. As such, I need to bring some knowledge of nutrition to my clients. Also, I am a mom of two adult children, each of whom had specific allergies and nutritional needs. I personally struggle with a limiting gluten sensitivity.
When my children were young, we often lived paycheck to paycheck, so I became quite the cheapskate. In addition, as I have gotten older, I now live by the “less is more” philosophy. These experiences, as well as a desire to be focused and effective, have shaped me as I work to help parents navigate how to best help their children. As parents, we can feel overwhelmed when we consider all the things we are supposed to do for the betterment of our children-and simply decide to give up. Rather than dumping every possible treatment, food or supplement on a parent, I take the approach of starting with small, easy steps, beginning with “Have you considered ¦?”
Most often, my first step in the nutritional arena is to try magnesium. I often start here because most of the children I see in my OT practice have dysregulated sleep. I do other things to address this in OT as well; however, I like to layer on the nutritional piece because sleep issues are typically not an easy fix.
In addition, magnesium comes in many forms: powder (often lemon flavored), pill or tablet. Epsom salt baths are another way to increase magnesium (I prefer the plain kind with no added fragrance) and can work better for younger children that might not try the other options.
Over the last 15 years, I have found the following online nutritional doctors profoundly helpful. They have impeccable credentials, and they have staying power. They offer insightful free information on their websites, as well as sales and discounts. I have listed them in order from easiest to read to more technical in information.
What Is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral and also an electrolyte. What is magnesium used for in the human body? Some of the main functions of magnesium include:
- Regulating blood pressure
- Keeping bones strong
- Balancing nitric oxide in the body
- Supporting growth and development in babies and children
- Supporting proper function of nerves, muscles and tissue
- Neutralizing stomach acid
- Moving stools through the intestine and preventing constipation
Sources:
- Dr. Axe, https://draxe.com/nutrition/magnesium-supplements/
- Dr. Jockers, https://drjockers.com/10-signs-magnesium-deficiency/
- Dr. Peter Osborne, https://www.drpeterosborne.com/vitamins-minerals-and-nutrients/magnesium/
Gretchen Fontanini works as a pediatric occupational therapist in Manhattan, Kansas. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends or listening to biohacking podcasts.