THE ROLE OF MAGNESIUM FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS

Navigating the postpartum period can be both exhilarating and challenging for new mothers. Through the joys and the adjustments, prioritising your nutrition ts of paramount importance, and this includes magnesium!

Magnesium is a super mineral that supports a variety of functions within your body. These include extracting energy from food, regulating muscle and nerve function, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and also making protein, bone and DNA. It is widely known as a wonderful remedy for poor sleep as it helps your body relax into a deeper slumber.

Magnesium is a major mineral, meaning we need greater amounts of it than other trace minerals, such as iodine or selenium. The recommended daily amount for women is 310-320 mg, but this rises to 400 mg during pregnancy and remains high, at 360 mg per day, for postpartum and breastfeeding mothers.

NATURAL SOURCES

So, with this in mind, if you are a new mother, or simply looking to increase your magnesium intake through food, here are some great dietary sources to consider.

 Dark chocolate

It’s not often that a delicious treat (in moderation of course!) is also healthy. Dark chocolate has a number of health benefits, one of which is that it is a rich source of magnesium, providing 65 mg in a 28 gram serving. Additionally, it packs an antioxidant punch, being full of flavanols, antioxidants linked with lowering heart disease, and polyphenols, which protect against inflammation.

Avocados

You can get a whopping 58 mg of magnesium from a humble avocado, making it a wonderful way to eat your recommended intake! These tasty fruits are also strong sources of potassium, B vitamins and vitamin K, as well as heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. To top it off, avocado will also provide you with a great dose of fiber - an all-around superfood!

Nuts and seeds