by Matt Jarosy
Everything You Need To Know On Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium glycinate (or bisglycinate) is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium made by chelating magnesium to the amino acid glycine. Chelated magnesium is a unique preparation method that offers increased stability, better bioavailability, and less chance of impacting the digestive tract.
by Matt Jarosy
How Stress Affects Your Magnesium Levels
How Stress Affects Your Magnesium Levels One of the most common questions we’re asked is: do we need more magnesium when we’re stressed? The short answer is yes — but to understand why, we first need to look at what happens in the body when we experience stress. The Physiology of Stress Stress has a profound and immediate effect on the body. When we face physical or emotional challenges, the sympathetic nervous system — often called the “fight or flight” system — activates to prepare us for action. This response releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and diverts blood flow to the muscles and brain. Calcium floods into our muscles to prepare for contraction, glucose is mobilised from energy stores, and cortisol keeps energy levels stable over time. This is a remarkable and necessary adaptation — one that has allowed our species to survive. Without cortisol, we wouldn’t even be able to wake up in the morning. However, while stress is essential in short bursts, it is also highly energy-intensive and places significant demands on key nutrients — especially magnesium. Magnesium: The Energy Mineral Magnesium is required for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, including those responsible for energy production, muscle relaxation, and nervous-system regulation. Every molecule of ATP — the body’s main energy currency — must be bound to magnesium to be biologically active. Without magnesium, energy metabolism simply can’t function properly. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and the second most concentrated inside our cells. It’s within these cells that most of our energy processes take place. During stress, the increased energy demand leads to a greater turnover of magnesium, meaning we use up our reserves more rapidly. How Stress Depletes Magnesium Research consistently shows that stress and magnesium deficiency reinforce each other — each one worsening the effects of the other. When stress hormones rise, urinary magnesium excretion increases, effectively flushing this essential mineral from the body. This creates a vicious cycle: the more stressed you are, the lower your magnesium levels become, which in turn makes your nervous system more reactive to stress. A 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlighted how acute stress elevates plasma magnesium levels temporarily but also increases urinary loss shortly after. Over time, this can lead to hypomagnesemia — low magnesium levels in blood and tissue. This depletion is associated with a range of stress-related conditions including migraines, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Because magnesium plays such a vital role in nerve and muscle function, deficiency can intensify symptoms of tension, irritability, and sleep disturbance — all of which are common under chronic stress. Recognising Daily Stress Stress isn’t limited to emotional strain. It can be physical (intense exercise, lack of sleep, or illness), mental (work pressure, relationships), or environmental (noise, pollution, or light exposure). Each stressor triggers a similar hormonal cascade and uses up magnesium in the process. Take a moment to think about your daily life — caffeine, tight schedules, training sessions, and screens late at night. Each of these adds small but cumulative stress loads. Supporting your magnesium status helps buffer these everyday demands and maintain nervous-system equilibrium. How to Replenish Magnesium Naturally The first step to restoring magnesium levels is through food. Excellent dietary sources include: Leafy green vegetables (ollard greens) Avocados, bananas, and fruits Soaked nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, almonds) Dark chocolate (70% or higher) Magnesium can also be obtained from natural mineral water in the form of magnesium bicarbonate or magnesium chloride, though most modern tap water contains very little. Unfortunately, soil depletion and industrial agriculture have reduced magnesium content in many foods, making supplementation a valuable complement to diet. Transdermal Absorption and Relaxation One of the most soothing ways to boost magnesium is through the skin. Bathing with magnesium chloride flakes allows the mineral to be absorbed transdermally — directly into the bloodstream. Many people find magnesium baths incredibly relaxing, both physically and mentally, as they deliver magnesium efficiently while also activating the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) system. Think of it as a natural “reset” — you’re replenishing magnesium while simultaneously calming the very system that stress activates. Choosing the Right Magnesium Supplement When it comes to supplementation, not all magnesium forms are equal. Some forms, such as magnesium oxide, have poor absorption and can irritate the gut. The most effective and gentle options are chelated forms such as bisglycinate, malate, and taurate. At ELIVIDE, we offer several clean, additive-free formulations designed for specific goals. Our Magnesium Bisglycinate Food is ideal for relaxation and sleep support, while Magnesium Malate Food supports energy production and recovery. Each serving provides 130–160 mg of elemental magnesium, blended with organic evaporated coconut water for improved hydration and mineral synergy. Be cautious when comparing supplement labels — some brands list the total compound weight (including what magnesium is bound to) rather than the actual elemental magnesium content. What matters is how much usable magnesium your body receives, not the total tablet weight. Integrating Magnesium into Your Daily Routine To support resilience and reduce stress reactivity: Include magnesium-rich foods at each meal. Consider evening supplementation with magnesium bisglycinate to support calm and sleep. Take regular magnesium baths or use topical sprays for added support. Stay hydrated and minimise stimulants like caffeine that deplete magnesium. Practice relaxation techniques (breathing, walking, time outdoors) to reduce the body’s demand for stress-related magnesium turnover. Stress and magnesium are intimately linked — each influencing the other. Chronic stress increases magnesium loss, while magnesium deficiency heightens stress sensitivity. Maintaining optimal magnesium levels supports calm, balanced energy, and a healthy nervous system. By eating well, staying hydrated, and choosing bioavailable magnesium forms such as bisglycinate or malate, you can strengthen your resilience and protect your body from the physiological wear and tear of modern life. It’s a simple step with profound effects on overall wellbeing.
by Matt Jarosy
The Different Forms of Magnesium & Reading Labels
When shopping for magnesium supplements, it’s easy to be misled by numbers on the label. At ELIVIDE, we list the net elemental magnesium content on all of our magnesium supplements.
by Matt Jarosy
What Is Iodine? The Halogen Inside Each Of Your Cells
In conjuction with the release of our latest supplement, we wanted to talk a little bit more about Iodine. Our new organic seaweed blend contains 346ug of wholefood iodine which equates to 230% of the RNI (reference nutrient intake), but why do we need it? and what really is iodine? Bernard courtois was the man who first discovered iodine which is a halogen if you're looking at the periodic table. He was originally making gunpowder from potassium and sodium but accidentally added too much sulphuric acid to seaweed ash and observed a distinct purple colour. This was the birth of iodine ('iodes' in greek means violet-coloured). There are naturally occurring non-radioactive and radioactive iodine forms. Radioactive iodine has uses in medicine to diagnose and treat certain conditions whereas natural forms come in many sources like seaweed. In human health iodine is often misunderstood. It is a micronutrient that is found in each of your cells but is a relatively rare earth element ranking 62. It is typically concentrated in sea organisms such as seaweed which means the further inland you go, the further you get away from iodine and the more prevalent iodine deficiency becomes. This is highlighted by what was known as 'the goilter belt' (areas within Great Lakes, Appalachian, and Northwestern U.S. regions etc) which had high prevalences of iodine deficiency. Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland; when a gland doesn’t get what it needs, it typically increases its surface area in an attempt to find more of its missing micronutrient, in this case iodine. In order to combat the epidemic of goiter happening worldwide governments began adding iodine to salt products (iodized salt) and although this did have an impact on the prevalence of goiter, it did not address the wider issues. Between 1970s - 2000 studies by NHANES still showed a 50% drop in iodine levels across the US (similar figures in many parts of europe) with the percentage of pregnant women with low iodine concentrations increasing 690% over this time period. The question is, why was this? This was likely due to a couple of different reasons including reduced dietary intake and exposure to other halides such as bromide and flouride. Specific functions of iodine Iodine is an essential ingredient for thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are key hormones in the regulation of your metabolic rate. Every single cell in your body depends on adequate levels of thyroid hormone. Deficiencies or overdoses of iodine are risk factors in hypothyroidism and autoimmune diseases like Graves and Hashimotos. Iodine is not found in large quantities in the body although there’s around 15-20mg in the thyroid of an average adult. The thyroid gland concentrates it there using a system known as the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) of which the mammary glands have the same mechanism for concentrating iodine. But it's not just the thyroid gland, iodine might just be one of, if not the most important micronutrient for breast health. There is a wealth of research showing the connection between iodine deficiency and breast cancer. As mentioned, the breasts also have a sodium/iodide transport system, concentrating iodine there. The concentration of iodine in mammary glands and its secretion here highlights the importance of iodine. Low levels conclusively cause changes to the structure and function of the breasts. It’s worth noting that in animal studies, iodide is ineffective at reversing pre-cancerous lesions of breast tissue whereas iodine is much more effective. Iodine also helps prevent lipoperoxidation (the oxidation of lipids) which has been found to be elevated in breast tumours and can help balance estrogen by maintaining the estrogen/estriol ratio. When there is an imbalance in estrogen ratios (estrone, estriol and estrogen), women can suffer from things like fibrocystic breasts, a condition where breasts have cysts which are usually painful to touch. In cancer, iodine has the ability to induce apoptosis, the process of timed cell death which is essential for the regulation of cancer in the body. It does this through a few mechanisms like the iodination of lipids. It really does pack a punch in the anti-oxidant department. Why we might need more iodine now One of the issues around halogens is that they like to compete in the body. Other halides, particularly bromide and fluoride can bind to iodine receptors in the body, blocking absorption. Bromide has no place in the body. It is a toxic compound which is used as a flame retardant in many furnishings and in baked goods as a dough conditioner. Fluoride is also added to many water supplies to help strengthen teeth but it comes at a cost. Furthermore, perchlorate, another halogen which contains one atom of chlorine and four atoms of oxygen, further displaces iodine. Perchlorate has contaminated many water supplies due to poor disposal. It is used in a variety of products like air bags, leather tanning, fireworks and in rocket fuel. The introduction of these compounds, on top of low dietary intake is a recipe for deficiencies. This is one of the reasons why some scientists believe the RNI is inadequate.
by Matt Jarosy
Wholefood Vitamin C vs Synthetic: What's the Difference?
Since scientists first isolated vitamin C (ascorbic acid) from natural sources, it has become one of the most widely used compounds on the planet. Once extracted primarily from rose hips, the supplement industry later discovered a cheaper way to produce it
by Matt Jarosy
Why Choose Organic? How We Select Ingredients
Why Choose Organic Ingredients? At ELIVIDE, purity begins with the source. While not every product in our range is fully certified organic, many of our formulations contain select organic ingredients — sourced from trusted suppliers and certified by the Soil Association where applicable. The Soil Association symbol remains one of the most recognised and respected marks of organic certification worldwide, guaranteeing ingredients that meet high standards for sustainability and safety. What Organic Certification Means Organic certification goes far beyond marketing. The Soil Association Organic Standard ensures that crops are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead of chemical inputs, organic farming focuses on natural systems that enrich the soil and sustain life. Rather than relying on artificial fertilisers, organic farmers improve soil fertility through compost, green manures, and crop rotation. Weeds and pests are managed by mechanical weeding, beneficial insects, and crop diversity — not through synthetic chemical sprays. This regenerative approach nurtures living soil, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. Health and Pesticide Exposure One of the key reasons we choose organic ingredients is to reduce exposure to pesticide residues commonly found on conventionally grown crops. Decades of research have raised concerns about how repeated, low-level exposure to agricultural chemicals can affect human health. A 2004 review co-authored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute concluded that “epidemiological evidence clearly suggests that, at current exposures, pesticides adversely affect human health.” Further, a 2013 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) examined over 600 studies and found strong associations between pesticide exposure and childhood leukemia, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancers. Many pesticides are also recognised as endocrine disruptors — compounds that can interfere with hormone regulation and metabolism. While single exposures may be minor, the cumulative effect over years can impact the body’s natural balance. By using organically grown ingredients wherever possible, we significantly reduce this potential burden. Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming Choosing organic is also a choice for the planet. Organic agriculture prioritises ecological harmony, treating soil as a living system rather than an inert medium. Healthy soil captures carbon, holds water, and supports thriving microbial life — all crucial for sustainable food production. Studies consistently show that organic farms support up to 50% more wildlife abundance compared to conventional systems. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies thrive in pesticide-free environments, while natural predators keep pest populations balanced. This interconnected web of life helps restore biodiversity and protect ecosystems from chemical runoff and pollution. Why Organic Ingredients Matter in Supplements Organic plant materials don’t just reduce exposure to unwanted chemicals — they also retain a higher density of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes compared to conventionally farmed equivalents. These natural cofactors work synergistically with vitamins and minerals, supporting better nutrient absorption and biological compatibility. When sourcing for our supplements, we prioritise organic ingredients that provide wholefood complexity rather than synthetic isolates. This ensures each formulation aligns with human biology and delivers nutrients in their natural matrix — just as they occur in food. Our Approach to Organic Sourcing ELIVIDE’s goal is to combine purity, science, and sustainability. While not every ingredient can be certified organic due to availability or stability, we always prioritise organic sourcing where quality, potency, and environmental impact align. For example, our Eclipse Wholefood Vitamin C includes organic acerola, camu camu, and amla berry — three of nature’s richest vitamin C sources. Each fruit is grown using organic methods, free from synthetic pesticides or genetic modification. This ensures that every capsule delivers a pure, plant-based nutrient complex that supports immunity, collagen formation, and antioxidant protection naturally. All our formulations are additive-free, encapsulated in plant-based pullulan capsules, and produced using renewable energy in the UK. This reflects our broader mission: to create supplements that support not only personal wellbeing but also the ecosystems that sustain us. Organic for a Healthier Future Supporting organic farming practices extends benefits far beyond personal health. It encourages biodiversity, reduces pollution, and builds more resilient food systems for the future. Even when used selectively within a formulation, organic ingredients uphold principles of transparency, traceability, and environmental respect. By choosing supplements crafted with organic wholefood ingredients, you support a system that values soil, farmers, and long-term ecological balance. Every organic ingredient represents a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable way of nourishing both body and planet. In Summary While not every ELIVIDE product is fully certified organic, our commitment to purity and sustainability guides every sourcing decision we make. We use certified organic ingredients wherever possible — and always prioritise clean, additive-free, and ethically produced raw materials. Organic ingredients aren’t just a label; they represent a philosophy of integrity. At ELIVIDE, that philosophy underpins everything we do — creating supplements that work in harmony with your body and with nature itself.
