Less stress and better sleep? One brain-boosting supplement promises to deliver all that and more in pill form. <\/p>\n
Found in everyday foods like spinach, almonds, black beans, and avocados, our bodies require this critical mineral for nerve and muscle function, bone health, blood sugar regulation, a healthy immune system and a steady heartbeat. <\/p>\n
Yet roughly 50% of Americans<\/a> don\u2019t meet the recommended intake through diet alone.<\/p>\n Experts say magnesium, specifically MgT can help reduce stress and improve overall brain function. Daniel \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n We\u2019re talking about magnesium. Experts say magnesium, specifically Magnesium L-threonate (or MgT) \u2014 which is made by mixing magnesium with water-soluble threonic acid \u2014 can help reduce stress and improve overall brain function.<\/p>\n \u201cMgT supplements are easily absorbed and have been shown to increase magnesium levels in brain tissue,\u201d Dr. Shae Datta, a board-certified neurologist and brand partner for the supplement company\u00a0Qunol<\/a>, told The Post. \u201cIt is the only form able to cross the blood-brain barrier.\u201d<\/p>\n In relation to stress management, MgT is believed to reduce levels of cortisol, the body\u2019s fight or flight hormone, and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt acts as a \u2018brake\u2019 on the nervous system, counteracting the effects of stress,\u201d Datta added.<\/p>\n Anyone experiencing stress can benefit from the brake MgT provides, the doc said: \u201cI would recommend it for anyone who has a high cognitive load, like students or people with focus issues like ADD or learning disabilities. Older patients who notice that they\u00a0are having difficulty with focus and cognition can\u00a0also benefit from supplementation.\u201d<\/p>\n Increased magnesium levels in the brain support both sleep and overall cognitive function, including memory, according to the MD.<\/p>\n \u201cMgT enhances synaptic plasticity to improve neural connections, promotes mental clarity, and aids in sleep regulation by increasing the brain\u2019s magnesium while supporting the calming neurotransmitter GABA,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n Datt shared that MgT improves neural connections. Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/p>\n Some studies<\/a>\u00a0have indicated that magnesium can boost both sleep quality and daytime functioning, though experts note<\/a> the science is\u00a0still uncertain<\/a>.<\/p>\n For maximum effect, Datta suggests the supplement Qunol Brain Health Memory Plus<\/a>\u00a0which combines MgT with Cognizin, a brand name for citicoline.<\/p>\n \u201cCiticoline helps the brain by supporting the synthesis of cell membranes, boosting neurotransmitter levels, and providing neuroprotective benefits.This combination keeps you\u00a0sharp and on task with ingredients that support mental alertness,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Datta cites studies<\/a> that suggest MgT can enhance both short-term and long-term memory.<\/p>\n \u201cBy increasing magnesium levels in the brain, MgT supports the formation and strengthening of synapses, the communication points between neurons, which is vital for memory and learning,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n She notes that the benefits of MgT are not immediate, and unfold over time.<\/p>\n \u201cMgT has been clinically demonstrated to improve cognitive scores <\/a>reflecting an individual\u2019s executive function, working memory, episodic memory, after six weeks,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Some studies\u00a0have indicated that magnesium can boost both sleep quality and daytime functioning, though experts note the science is\u00a0still uncertain. New Africa \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Further, Datta said that after a period of twelve weeks, MgT has been shown to reduce self-reposted stress and anxiety.<\/a><\/p>\n But patients with\u00a0severe kidney problems, heart block, and myasthenia gravis should avoid this and any other magnesium supplementation.<\/p>\n She noted that pairing MgT with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and a healthy diet can amplify the benefits of the supplement.<\/p>\n \u201cCoQ10 is also beneficial for alertness so it can work well with the Qunol Brain Health supplements. I also feel a well rounded Mediterranean\u00a0diet and good multi-vitamin can fill any other nutrition gaps a generally healthy person may have,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n CoQ10 has also been show to help retain\u00a0the length of our telomeres<\/a>, which play a key role in aging.<\/p>\n Beyond brain health, research has shown<\/a>\u00a0that a higher magnesium intake can mean healthier bones, notably for\u00a0postmenopausal and elderly women<\/a>\u00a0at risk of osteoporosis.<\/p>\n