Health Benefits Of Magnesium
Few people know or appreciate the importance of Magnesium. Some may have heard of its safety and effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. However, that’s only a fraction of Magnesium’s health benefits.
Health Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium is a building block of teeth, bones and muscles. Magnesium is responsible for regulating many physiological processes. It facilitates tissue detoxification. It alkalizes the body making it cancer resistant.
Magnesium regulates:
- body temperature
- nerve impulses’ transmission
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- energy levels
- hydration
- sugar metabolism
- digestion
- sleep
- mood
- resistance to stress
(I’m quite positive that this is not the complete list.)
In years past, Magnesium supplementation was rarely necessary because Magnesium was naturally abundant in the soil that grows food and in drinking water. Since pesticides deteriorated the soil that used to supply us with minerals and our water supply – chemically-treated and / or filtered – is no longer rich in Magnesium either, many of our vital physiological processes don’t run as smoothly as they could.
Those aware of the numerous benefits of Magnesium often reach for a Magnesium supplement. The recommended daily dosage is 400 mg (it is recommended that a Magnesium supplement be taken with a Calcium supplement for better absorption). People buy good quality Magnesium in the recommended strength and believe that they are supplying their bodies with the much needed mineral. That’s not necessarily the case. (If you’re taking Magnesium with Calcium you’re not doing yourself any favors either.)
There are two factors that affect the effectiveness of Magnesium supplementation.
- The type of Magnesium, most of the oral Magnesium supplements are Magnesium Oxide which is neither the best type nor the easiest one to absorb by the body.
- The delivery method, Magnesium supplements taken orally have about 10% absorption rate. (Even if you are taking an oral supplement, you’re not giving your body the recommended 400 mg daily as listed on the bottle but a measly 40 mg your body is actually absorbing.)
Here is what works and why.
- The best absorbed form of Magnesium is Magnesium Chloride and not Magnesium Oxide. (No, it’s not available as oral supplement.)
- The most effective delivery method isn’t oral, but topical.
Here’s the how to:
- Buy some Magnesium Chloride FLAKES. (Available Online.)
- Prepare Magnesium Oil. (It’s VERY easy! Take one cup of Magnesium Chloride Flakes and put them into a glass dish. Boil two cups of DRINKING water. Let it cool. Pour warm (not boiling hot) water over the flakes and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture cool. Once cold, pour it into a spray bottle.)
This mixture is referred to a “Magnesium Oil”; some call it “Magnesium Brine”. It isn’t a true oil but a topical Magnesium Chloride solution.
The DIY Magnesium Oil is well absorbed by the body and produces excellent results. It is generally recommended that you deliver 5 sprays a day on each foot. (Yes, the Magnesium solution you spray on your skin distributes benefits of Magnesium throughout the body!)
The Magnesium spray can also be used for a relaxing massage. Sprayed directly on an area where you experience muscle cramps, the Magnesium solution will relieve them.
Few words of caution:
- avoid spraying SENSITIVE areas; keep away from eyes, mouth, nose and whatever you do: don’t use it internally!
- once you spray the solution on your feet, you may experience slight discomfort ranging from a stinging sensation to itching. This is normal and not dangerous. It’s easy to get used to and – considering the many benefits the topical application of Magnesium produces – it’s a minor inconvenience.
Magnesium is an undervalued mineral. Regular use of Magnesium – especially, if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or are over 40! – will give you peaceful mind, restful sleep and better health.
Photo credit: Simon Migaj on Unsplash
