26. The Benefits of Magnesium
Our family began using topical magnesium lotion in 2021 during my pregnancy with baby #5. I initially started using it to supplement my magnesium levels and to help manage stress, anxiety, and pregnancy insomnia. We’ve never stopped using it regularly in our household.
I noticed significant improvements in my kids' sleep quality and mood stability. For myself, the pregnancy benefits were remarkable—I slept better, experienced less restless leg syndrome, and felt more energetic throughout the day.
Over the years, our family has reaped numerous benefits from using magnesium lotion, which inspired us to start making it ourselves and offering it to others. As a homeschooling family, this venture has been a fantastic learning opportunity for the kids. They’ve researched, purchased supplies, followed instructions, and learned about marketing. I’m incredibly proud of their involvement and enthusiasm as they witness their mama pursuing entrepreneurial paths to support them!
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including muscle relaxation, nerve function, and bone health. While many people rely on oral magnesium supplements, an increasingly popular alternative is the use of magnesium cream and magnesium spray for transdermal absorption. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of both magnesium cream and spray, how they work, and how you can incorporate them into your wellness routine.
Magnesium is vital, involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a key role in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and bone health. Despite its importance, many people are deficient in magnesium due to factors like poor diet, stress, and certain medical conditions.
Magnesium is responsible for regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, muscle and nerve function, energy production, and mood regulation. It is also essential for producing protein, bone minerals, and DNA. Long-term magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of health issues such as migraines, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Severe deficiency can cause symptoms like numbness, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms.
For simplicity, let's focus on magnesium chloride, the most bioavailable form of magnesium and the one we use in our magnesium lotion and spray.
What is Topical Magnesium?
Topical magnesium is a wonderful, natural way to boost your magnesium levels by applying it directly to your skin. Unlike oral supplements that need to pass through the digestive system, topical magnesium provides a direct route to your muscles and cells for faster absorption and effectiveness.
Magnesium Spray:
Magnesium sprays are applied directly to the skin and can be used to target specific areas that need relief. They’re easy to use and are quickly absorbed, making them ideal for immediate results.
Magnesium Cream:
Magnesium creams combine magnesium with moisturizing ingredients, making them perfect for hydrating the skin while delivering essential magnesium. They’re ideal for regular use and can be soothing for massaging aches and pains, providing both hydration and relief.
Why Skin Absorption?
Our skin isn’t just a passive barrier; it’s a dynamic organ capable of absorbing various substances. The process of absorption through the skin, or transdermal absorption, involves the movement of substances from the outer skin layers into the bloodstream. When we apply topical magnesium, our skin’s layers draw in the magnesium ions and transport them throughout the body.
Several factors can influence how well your skin absorbs magnesium:
Skin Health and Hydration: Healthy, hydrated skin is more permeable and absorbs magnesium more effectively. Dry or damaged skin can hinder absorption.
Product Concentration: The strength of the magnesium product also plays a role. Higher concentrations can enhance the absorption rate.
Application Area: Thinner skin areas or areas with more sweat glands and hair follicles can absorb magnesium more efficiently.
Topical magnesium bypasses the digestive system, avoiding potential issues like stomach upset and loose bowels, and ensures more efficient absorption of this essential mineral.
Benefits of Magnesium Cream
Pain Relief: Magnesium cream has been shown to alleviate muscle and joint pain, making it an ideal option for athletes and those with chronic pain conditions.
Skin Health: The hydrating and soothing properties of magnesium cream can benefit the skin, particularly for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Relaxation and Sleep: Magnesium cream may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it a valuable addition to your bedtime routine.
Benefits of Magnesium Spray
Quick Absorption: Magnesium spray offers fast and effective absorption, making it ideal for post-workout recovery or on-the-go use.
Ease of Use: With its convenient spray application, magnesium spray is easy to use and can be applied to hard-to-reach areas.
Versatility: In addition to pain relief, magnesium spray can be used for various purposes, including as a deodorant or hair treatment.
Optimizing Absorption
Skin Preparation: Ensure that your skin is clean before applying magnesium. This removes barriers like oils, dirt, or lotions that can block absorption.
Application Techniques: Massage the magnesium product into your skin. This helps improve circulation in the area and enhances the absorption process. Applying after a shower or bath, when your skin is warm and your pores are open, can also boost effectiveness.
Consistency: Regular use is key. Incorporate topical magnesium into your daily routine to maintain optimal magnesium levels in your body.
The Benefits of Topical Magnesium Supplementation
Relieves Muscle Aches, Pains & Cramps: Magnesium's muscle-relaxing qualities help regulate neuromuscular signals, muscle contractions, and calcium balance in the body. This can ease pain and reduce cramps, addressing issues like constipation, premenstrual syndrome, and overworked muscle pain.
Boosts Energy: Magnesium activates enzymes that produce cellular energy, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This boost in energy helps prevent feelings of fatigue and supports overall vitality.
Calms Nerves & Eases Anxiety: Magnesium is crucial for regulating hormones that calm the brain and promote relaxation. It influences gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calm.
Promotes Restful Sleep: By calming the brain and quieting a racing mind, magnesium can improve sleep quality and treat insomnia. It enhances sleep efficiency, extends sleep time, and helps with early morning awakenings.
Aids Constipation: Magnesium's laxative properties help absorb water, softening stool and making bowel movements easier. It also relaxes intestinal muscles, aiding smoother bowel rhythms and easing constipation.
Prevents Asthma: Chronic asthma sufferers may benefit from magnesium's ability to relax bronchial muscles, helping normalize breathing and reduce wheezing and breathlessness.
Promotes a Healthy Heart: Magnesium helps protect the heart by calming nerves, aiding digestion, and preventing issues like cramps, vomiting, indigestion, and constipation, all of which can stress the cardiovascular system. It supports a regular heartbeat and overall heart health.
Relieves Migraines: Magnesium can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines by affecting neurotransmitter function and blood circulation. It releases pain-reducing hormones and reduces blood vessel constriction, which can lower blood pressure.
Controls Bladder Functions: Magnesium supplements can help with bladder problems such as interstitial cystitis or nephritis, providing relief from frequent urination urges and spotting.
Helps Keep Bones Strong & Healthy: Magnesium is essential for bone health, influencing bone cells (osteoclasts and osteoblasts) that build healthy bone density. It also regulates calcium and vitamin D levels, crucial for bone strength. Magnesium deficiency can lead to disorders like osteoporosis.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While magnesium cream and spray are generally safe for most people, there are potential side effects and precautions to consider:
Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation or tingling sensations after applying magnesium cream or spray. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may have allergic reactions to ingredients in magnesium products. Perform a patch test before full application to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
Specific Health Conditions: Individuals with kidney disease or other specific medical conditions should avoid using topical magnesium without consulting a healthcare provider. Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin and affect overall magnesium levels, which may be problematic for those with certain health issues.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While topical magnesium is often used during pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or topical treatment.
By being aware of these potential side effects and precautions, you can safely incorporate magnesium cream and spray into your wellness routine and enjoy their numerous benefits.
Magnesium cream and spray are versatile additions to your wellness toolkit, offering a range of benefits from pain relief to improved sleep and skin health. Whether you're managing muscle aches or looking to enhance relaxation, these products provide a convenient, fast-absorbing solution. Incorporate topical magnesium into your daily routine to support your body's natural functions and enjoy a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
If you’re ready to get started, visit the apothecary today to purchase your own and discover a new level of health and vitality!
