Why Magnesium is Essential to Health

(and What Happens When You Don’t Have Enough)

Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body: things like muscle and nerve function, energy production (ATP), DNA/RNA synthesis, blood sugar regulation, and maintaining heart rhythm (PubMed+2MDPI+2). Yet despite all that, magnesium deficiency is widespread. It’s estimated that about 45% of Americans don’t get enough magnesium from diet alone, and about 60% fail to meet the average daily intake recommended by health authorities (PubMed+1). Think of magnesium as the train that holds the nutrients (allowing your body to properly absorb them) and then trasports those nutrients through out the body. It is trullllly an essential mineral.

When magnesium is low, the effects can creep in subtly, then escalate. Minor signs might include muscle tension, cramps, twitching, restless legs, poor sleep, and heightened nervousness or irritability. Over time, low magnesium has been linked with more serious health issues: elevated blood pressure, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, poor cardiovascular health, arrhythmias, and even increased risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death (BioMed Central+3AhA Journals+3PubMed+3).

For example:

  • A meta-analysis of over 313,000 people found that for every 0.2 mmol/L increase in circulating magnesium, there was about a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (NCBI). Meaning, just a slight increase in magnesium levels significantly reduces the risks of heart diseases.

  • A major study out of Rotterdam found that people with low magnesium levels in their blood were about 36% more likely to die from heart disease and over 50% more likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared to those with healthier magnesium levels.AhA Journals

  • Dietary magnesium intake from 150 mg/day vs ~400 mg/day showed reductions in risk of hypertension, arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction—i.e. markers that predict heart disease. MDPI+1

Why Supplementation Matters — and Why Cream Could Be Especially Helpful

Given how common suboptimal magnesium levels are, it’s not enough just to aim for dietary sources (though that remains important). Stress, certain medications (like proton pump inhibitors, diuretics), high sugar/caffeine diets, aging gut issues, and modern agricultural practices that deplete soil minerals all contribute to magnesium being depleted faster than many people can replenish (PubMed+1).

Oral supplements help, but they sometimes come with digestive issues, variable absorption, and delays in effect. This is where a well-formulated topical magnesium cream can play a unique role:

  • Bypasses the gut: For people with digestive sensitivities, low stomach acid, IBS, or other GI issues, a cream allows magnesium to be absorbed through the skin, avoiding problems of oral intake. Because it bypasses digestion, transdermal application allows it to be more bio-available and often times, faster acting.

  • Localized benefit: Applying to areas of tension (muscles, joints) or skin that’s inflamed gives more direct relief.

  • Gentle, ritualistic care: Using a cream can double as self-massage, mindfulness, or a nightly ritual—helping not only physical magnesium levels but also supporting rest, nervous system calm, and a mindset of healing.

What Hillside Apothecary’s Magnesium Cream Offers (Differently)

At Hillside Apothecary, we lean into magnesium not just as a nutrient, but as part of a holistic system of health. Our cream is carefully crafted in small batches, with clean, organic, skin-friendly ingredients—no unnecessary fillers or harsh preservatives. When you rub it in, you’re not just delivering magnesium, but engaging in a moment of care for your body: calming tense muscles, soothing your skin, quieting stress, and inviting more restorative rest.

Because magnesium deficiency isn’t always dramatic—it’s often a slow drain on energy, mood, sleep, and resilience. Using a topical approach helps restore what’s missing more gently and consistently. Over time—with regular use—people often notice less muscle tightness, more relaxed sleep, fewer start-ups of anxiety, better digestion, more support during migraines and head aches, and an overall sense of being more grounded and capable of handling life’s daily stressors.

Don’t wait until depletion speaks louder. Start nourishing yourself today, and let’s rewrite the story of health—together, naturally. Order your magensium cream here.

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