The Benefits Of Magnesium Oil And Uses

Magnesium is without a doubt, a mega mineral.

Every cell in the body needs magnesium in some way; it’s essential for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and joints, as well as for optimal sleep and stress reduction. But magnesium deficiency is widespread because many lifestyle factors have actively depleted our magnesium levels, including lack of sleep; excessive alcohol, caffeine, and sugar consumption; and ongoing stress. Additionally, many natural sources of magnesium are becoming depleted:  Our soil contains less magnesium due to over-farming and high pesticide use, and filtration systems remove much of water’s naturally occurring magnesium.

There are benefits of increased magnesium levels, some of which include: less muscle soreness, smoother skin, fewer headaches, more restful sleep, balanced blood sugar, and lower risk of blood pressure.

Less Muscle Soreness and Smoother Skin

Many athletes swear by magnesium for post-workout recovery, but even if you’re not a high-level athlete you can benefit from using magnesium after workouts. Studies show that applying a magnesium spray may help reduce muscle cramping and replenish magnesium levels lost through sweat.

Applying magnesium oil to the skin can improve the skin’s texture and help keep breakouts in check. People with sensitive skin should start with diluted magnesium oil and work up to higher concentrations, depending on their skin’s tolerance.

Fewer Headaches and Migraines

A large body of research indicates that magnesium can significantly benefit those who suffer from headaches or migraines. While not an acute treatment for symptom relief, optimal levels of cellular magnesium can result in fewer headaches and migraines.

More Restful Sleep

It’s not surprising that Epsom salt is added to baths in order to promote relaxation:  Magnesium may have a beneficial effect on GABA receptors in the brain, which may  allow you to relax, fall asleep more easily, and possibly sleep deeper. A small segment of people, however, seem to experience the opposite affect and wake up from magnesium supplementation, which means they should avoid ingesting magnesium at night.

Balanced Blood Sugar

Research indicates that excess sugar consumption depletes magnesium levels in the body, and that unbalanced blood sugar and insulin levels may also deplete magnesium. This depletion, in turn, makes properly balancing blood sugar and insulin more difficult. Magnesium is not a treatment for diabetes or blood sugar imbalance, but studies do show that magnesium may play a role in a holistic approach to better blood sugar management.

Lower Risk of Blood Pressure And Hypertension

Hospitals routinely use IV magnesium as an acute treatment for high blood pressure. A 2012 analysis of available studies presented the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that, “Magnesium supplementation appears to achieve a small but clinically significant reduction in blood pressure, an effect worthy of future prospective large randomized trials…” This analysis found a significant benefit at doses of more than 370 milligrams a day, which means you would likely need to increase your magnesium intake both internally and through the skin to reap the full benefit.

How To Increase Your Magnesium Intake

You can increase your magnesium level either through the skin or by taking a magnesium supplement. Magnesium oil sprayed on after a shower or a bath and allowed to soak in bypasses the digestive system, which can facilitate effective absorption.

You can also take any of the widely available magnesium supplements, or opt to consume a magnesium drink mix like Natural Calm. Some people have difficulty absorbing magnesium internally and find the application of topical magnesium to be more effective and better tolerated.