Magnesium Health Watch

Magnesium is an important element to consider in sports nutrition. Research has indicated that when your muscles are intensely worked out in a gym on a regular basis, lactic acid builds up and magnesium is lost through sweating.   Increased lactic acid has been linked to anxiety.  And, decreased magnesium can lead to injury and longer rehabilitation times.

This article suggests (as we do) that applying magnesium to the skin through an oil or soak is more effective than taking an oral supplement.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Dr. Jeff Schutt insists that hamstring injuries can at least partially be avoided through nutritional support because contraction and relaxation is dependant on adequate cellular levels of magnesium. A shortened hamstring is a result of lack of available magnesium he says. Now we have what is called “Magnesium Oil,” which is a thick magnesium chloride liniment that can be simply sprayed and rubbed into a sore Achilles tendon to decrease swelling. And soaking the feet in a magnesium chloride foot bath is the single best thing – apart from stretching – that you can do for yourself to protect from or recover from hamstring and other injuries. The only thing better is a full body bath or to have a massage therapist use it to rub it in as they work deeply on the muscles. “

::IMVA :: Internacional Medical Veritas Association ::.

We’ve been hearing a lot about the Ancient Minerals brand of Magnesium Oil.  As we often say, transdermal absorption of magnesium has many advantages over oral magnesium supplements.  Here’s an overview and review of the product, that if nothing else, provides some welcome muscle relaxation and stress relief.

“While there are tremendous volumes of research paying tribute to the efficacy of magnesium supplementation in a wide range of health enhancing applications, not much attention has been directed at the method of delivery. Ancient Minerals brand magnesium products utilize an ultra-pure, highly concentrated form of naturally occurring magnesium chloride along with other trace minerals, for topical use in the form of Magnesium Oil, Magnesium Bath Flakes and Magnesium Gel. Why topical? Because the skin is a living, breathing organ, and is not only the most efficient organ for detoxification, but also holds tremendous potential for re-mineralizing the body as well.”

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Review and Giveaway : Prissy Green.

Baths are an effective way to absorb vitamins and minerals, without experiencing some of the side effects that often accompany mineral supplements.    One great way to get your magnesium is through an epsom salt bath, which contains high levels of magnesium.  Your skin naturally regulates absorption so your body gets only what it needs.  It’s not like taking mineral supplements where you might be taking many times the recommended daily allowance.

Here’s what Tonic has to say about it:

“One of the most positive effects of Epsom salt soaks are that they boost your magnesium levels because the salt contains so much of this underrated mineral. But, the truth is, many of us are lacking in magnesium (check with your doctor for tests especially is you suffer from migraines as taking extra magnesium can help prevent or alleviate migraines).

Stress, too, can drain your system of magnesium, and if you think you’re getting enough of the mineral from your diet, think again. Our soil isn’t as nutrient-rich as once was and unless you’re vigilant about eating almonds and other magnesium-containing foods, you’re probably llacking adequate levels.

A twice-weekly soak for about 15 minutes in an Epsom salt bath couldn’t be a more relaxing way to get yourself on your way to magnesium magnificence!”

Soak In It: Epsom Salt Baths by Jac Chebatoris.

Natural Calm by Peter Gillham’s Natural Vitality (8oz)

The Anti-Stress Drink. According to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Approximately 50 percent of total body magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside the cells of tissues and organs. Magnesium is one of the most important basic nutrients that power our bodies and it is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions. But since our bodies don’t produce this mineral, we need to replenish its supply every day. Due to nutrient-deficient soil and fast-paced lifestyles, few of us (estimated at less than 20 percent) get sufficient magnesium in our diets. This means supplementation is needed, and Natural Calm is the best-selling, award-winning magnesium that mixes easily in water to restore healthy magnesium levels quickly and effectively.

From magnesium-rich foods, to powders to magnesium tablets, there are myriad ways to increase your daily intake of magnesium. The mineral magnesium is essential for countless heart, nerve and muscle functions. In its many forms and compounds, magnesium has been used to treat conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and more. (more…)