I never like to start a post with bad news but when we're talking adequate magnesium levels, we need help. Truth of the matter is, we rarely get adequate magnesium in our food supply anymore because modern farming practices deplete the soil of magnesium. Water isn't a source for most of us either because fluoride in our drinking water alters magnesium, turning it into a harmful mineral compound that gets deposited in our bones making them brittle instead of strong. But hang on, there's good news too! Let's start by referencing a chart from the National Institute of Health showing the recommended daily allowance of magnesium:
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 30 mg* | 30 mg* | ||
| 7–12 months | 75 mg* | 75 mg* | ||
| 1–3 years | 80 mg | 80 mg | ||
| 4–8 years | 130 mg | 130 mg | ||
| 9–13 years | 240 mg | 240 mg | ||
| 14–18 years | 410 mg | 360 mg | 400 mg | 360 mg |
| 19–30 years | 400 mg | 310 mg | 350 mg | 310 mg |
| 31–50 years | 420 mg | 320 mg | 360 mg | 320 mg |
| 51+ years | 420 mg | 320 mg |
“Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.”
After extensive reading on how to increase my magnesium intake I decided to make my own magnesium oil transdermal spray using Magnesium Chloride {bath flakes} and filtered water. It seems that the body absorbs magnesium rather well via topical application {transdermal}.
Reminds me of some essentials oils I know and this is where the "PLUS" comes into play! Of course, it made perfect sense to me to add pure essential oils as they too are readily absorbed by the skin.
My choice is Rose, pure and wonderful Rose essential oil because I'm fortunate to have a bottle and my skin happens to love it. When I spritz my Rose infused magnesium oil all over, it's a blissful moment. I realize a bottle of pure Rose essential oil is a healthy luxury so please, substitute any essential oil or combination of oils you like!
Pssst! A combination of Lavender and Geranium is a very close second to Rose in fragrance and good for overall skin health as well. If you suffer from eczema, try a drop of Patchouli in your blend. Essential oils are a natural resource just as magnesium is and the two work beautifully together.
Just in case you're curious, my weekly routine now includes a 30 minute detoxing, magnesium boosting soak in very warm water twice a week and on the days I don't soak, I use my Rosy transdermal magnesium oil spray.
I should mention that magnesium chloride is not the same magnesium found in Epsom salt, Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. In my research, magnesium chloride is better suited for transdermal absorption. I've found that on "spray days" 15 spritzes provides adequate coverage {stomach, chest, arms and legs}. I let it settle in and absorb into my skin for 5 minutes at least and then I usually moisturize but not always. If you're new to transdermal magnesium supplementation, start slowly to see how your body will react then increase accordingly. It's possible to experience a tingling sensation when you first get started, it's normal and short-lived.
Supplementing your kid's magnesium needs is safe. Kids need adequate magnesium levels just as badly as we do. My daughter Tiffany adds bath flakes to our grand babies' bath time reducing the amount by half. Normally, I use 2 cups for myself, we use 1 cup in the bathtub for the little ones and reduce bath time to 15 minutes. I highly recommend this routine for your teens too! If they won't go for a 30 minute soak, give them a spray bottle to use after their shower. They'll be less stressed, sleep better, their skin will show improvement and their perspiration won't smell (same goes for us!).
Just another interesting tidbit, while you're spritzing yourself down with magnesium oil plus, spray under your arms too...many people report that they use this as deodorant with great success.
Healthy magnesium levels have been linked to lowered blood pressure, reduced incidence of type II diabetes, emergency migraine treatment, reduced symptoms of asthma, and improved memory. Because the skin is the body’s largest organ it has the amazing ability to filter toxins and deliver nutrients throughout the body. How our skin looks is a visible sign of our overall health.
When our skin breaks out in rashes, eczema, psoriasis or acne it's usually a sign of something deeper. Because skin is an elimination organ, the body will push toxins out through the skin when the other organs of elimination ie: the gut, kidneys and liver become overburdened. An intricate process of cleansing and absorbing. Using the skin {transdermal} to deliver magnesium to the body is the fastest and most effective way to experience the benefits of proper magnesium levels. I feel I've barely scratched the surface, there's just so much more to share and not enough time. In a nutshell, for a very small investment and consistent use you could see some pretty significant changes in your energy level, mood and health just by upping your magnesium intake and, in such a pleasant way!
