Even when you eat a healthy, whole-food diet, it can still be tough to get all the magnesium you need just from food. I take a magnesium supplement daily and often use a magnesium oil spray on my skin. So, why is magnesium so important for wellness? Many people don’t get enough of it, and it’s needed for hundreds of bodily functions. Every cell requires magnesium! It’s crucial for bone, tooth, muscle, nerve, and joint health, and it also plays a major role in ensuring restful sleep and reducing stress.
Who doesn’t want more sleep and less stress, right? However, magnesium deficiency is common. Our lifestyles often lower our magnesium, like not sleeping enough, dealing with excess stress, and consuming alcohol, caffeine, or sugar. Plus, many natural sources of magnesium have become depleted. Our soils have less magnesium due to over-farming and heavy pesticide use, and filtration systems often strip it from water.
The ocean remains a fantastic source of pure magnesium and trace minerals, but not everyone can hit the beach daily. That’s where transdermal magnesium oil comes in handy. Studies have looked into magnesium therapy’s effects on issues ranging from skin health to diabetes and hypertension.
One simple way I increase my magnesium is by applying it through the skin with magnesium oil. After a shower or bath, just spray it on, and you’re all set! It’s quick, easy, and gets absorbed without going through the digestive system.
There are oral magnesium supplements too. I like drink mixes like Natural Calm or Jigsaw Health, and recently I’ve been into a blend from BiOptimizers that has seven types of magnesium. But not everyone absorbs magnesium well internally. If you struggle with oral supplements, topical use might help. I find that alternating methods ensures better absorption.
Here’s why magnesium oil is a staple in my routine: The main goal is to raise magnesium levels, and research supports this. One study showed a 25% increase in cellular magnesium after participants applied it to their skin for 12 weeks. Besides magnesium soaks, the spray is a part of transdermal therapy.
I see this as basic nutritional insurance since it’s tough to get magnesium from food and water alone. I pair magnesium oil with dry brushing for healthier skin. In the mornings, I dry brush and often use magnesium spray to keep my skin smooth and clear. Those with sensitive skin should start with diluted oil and gradually increase as they adjust.
Athletes often use magnesium for recovering from workouts and easing sore muscles. Even if you’re not an athlete, you can still benefit after exercising. Some studies suggest that magnesium spray helps with muscle soreness and restores magnesium lost through sweating. It’s also good for leg cramps and muscle cramps that keep kids and adults up at night.
There’s a lot of research on magnesium’s role in easing headaches and migraines. Higher magnesium levels often mean fewer headaches. Sometimes, drinking water and taking magnesium can help stop a headache in its tracks, which is great for avoiding side effects from conventional painkillers.
Magnesium also has a role in balanced blood sugar. High sugar intake drains magnesium, and unstable blood sugar and insulin levels can deplete it further. While magnesium isn’t a cure for diabetes, it can contribute to managing blood sugar as part of a holistic approach.
Hospitals often use magnesium via IV for high blood pressure, although most of us don’t have IVs at home. However, a 2016 meta-analysis found significant benefits of magnesium in reducing blood pressure when doses exceed 370 milligrams daily, suggesting both internal and topical supplementation might be needed.
Epsom salt baths are popular for relaxation, probably because magnesium impacts GABA receptors in the brain, helping relaxation and sleep. It can also relieve restless legs at night. Some people, though, find magnesium makes them more alert, so they should avoid taking it before bed.
On a daily basis, I spray magnesium on my arms, legs, and stomach, using 10-20 sprays. It might tingle at first, but that should pass. You can also dilute it if it’s uncomfortable. After applying, either leave it on or wash it off after 20-30 minutes. I often apply it post-shower and follow with moisturizer a few minutes later. If the residue bothers you, apply at night when it’s less noticeable, or apply before showering.
This is my go-to magnesium oil formulation, but you can make your own with magnesium flakes if you prefer DIY solutions. While magnesium has numerous benefits, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It complements a real-food diet, which naturally includes magnesium-containing foods. However, due to soil issues and over-farming, these food sources might have less magnesium than before.
