Magnesium is one of the most available elements on Earth
Did you know that it’s used in:- car components
- metal alloys and
- early camera photography as a flash
In our body magnesium is essential for the basic chemistry of all cells. Magnesium is available in many chemical compounds. So why is magnesium so important in our body?
Magnesium in your diet
Do you eat enough magnesium rich foods?
Of the five major minerals in our body, magnesium is the second most abundant material, after potassium. It can be hard for us to have a diet of all the correct nutrients like magnesium. A good source of magnesium can be found in fresh foods that are high in fibre. This includes most leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, oats, milk and whole grains.
White or refined bread lacks the fibre that have good sources of magnesium. Magnesium is in the germ or bran of whole grains. Choose whole grain bread and cereals in your diet.
As magnesium is mostly soluble, some nutrients are lost by boiling vegetables. Fresh or lightly steamed is a better alternative for getting the most out of the foods that we eat.
Magnesium deficiencies in your diet
Studies suggest that there is not enough magnesium in our diets.Our busy lifestyles play a big part.Taking magnesium supplements can have a positive effect on our health. Soluble magnesium preparations are generally better absorbed in the body. It is always recommended to check with you Doctor on what may be the best for you.
Magnesium intake influences severe diseases such as:
- diabetes
- asthma
- high blood pressure
- metabolic syndrome
- preeclampsia and
- eclampsia
- reduced intestinal absorption and
- increased renal excretion
There are people who may be affected by disease where magnesium uptake is not the best. Diseases of the intestine and kidney can disturb magnesium metabolism too. As well, excretion of magnesium decreases until it reaches an optimal level.
Magnesium and exercise
Did you know that athletes need more magnesium due to the stresses that they place on their bodies? Studies have shown better performance results for athletes when they have a diet rich in magnesium.
Magnesium plays an important role in anaerobic and aerobic energy production. More studies suggest that magnesium improves muscle function and performance. But if we have a low level of magnesium in our body then by increasing the intake of magnesium we will make a noticeable improvement in performance.
Did you know that an inadequate level of magnesium can affect an athlete's recovery? Magnesium helps normal muscle contraction and relaxation. Low levels of magnesium can lead to muscle cramps.
Magnesium Sulphate/Epsom Salts in your bath
Epsom salt is Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate. Epsom Salt was first discovered in old England. Local farmers wondered why their cows wouldn’t drink the water from a nearby well. The water was bitter from the magnesium sulphate. They found that it wasn’t nice to drink but it helped to heal wounds and scars.
Is Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate) absorbed into skin?
I would love to know! There have been studies completed to investigate absorption on mucous membranes and skin. The study found positive effects of nebulised magnesium sulphate on bronchial asthma and on skin cells. To date, there hasn’t been enough study into magnesium and its salts ability to be absorbed into skin. The studies completed show an increase in magnesium plasma concentration. And there is argument amongst scholars that magnesium can cross the skin’s barrier. More studies need to be completed to be sure. But in the meantime an Epsom salt bath is very relaxing and soothing for everyone. A warm bath with magnesium bath salts is therapeutic and helps us to sleep better.
Bath salts are very relaxing and soothing to soak in after a hard days work. PS, don't eat it, it's for bathing in! Place a few tablespoons of my Sweet Orange Blossom Bath Soak into a bath. The essential oils fill the air with a beautiful scent for a tranquil experience too. Sweet Orange Blossom Bath Soak can also be used to relieve tired and sore feet. To use as a foot soak detox, pop a few tablespoons in a foot bath and relax your feet in heavenly bliss!
There’s more than one way to get your daily intake of magnesium. After reading Magnesium supplementation in top athletes – effects and recommendations we should:
- Eat more whole foods like unrefined bread, nuts, seeds and fresh vegetables
- Take a magnesium supplement as recommended by your Doctor
- Enjoy an Sweet Orange Blossom Bath Soak a few times per week