August 29, 2017
Topical Magnesium Spray
When we think about supplementing we often imagine swallowing pills or adding powders to smoothies and such but there are many other ways to get vital nutrients into our bodies. As you may know our skin is our largest organ and can absorb what is put on and can absorb nutrients as well as toxins.
Magnesium is one of those nutrients that can easily be absorbed through the skin and often people are able to absorb even more than if they would take it orally due to poor gut health. Before we talk about how to make this easy to use spray lets talk about the benefits of magnesium and why you may be deficient.
It is estimated that up to 80% of people in North America are deficient and the main reasoning is that magnesium is depleted from our soil and the foods we eat contain far less magnesium than they used to. According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, ND, MD, “Magnesium is farmed out of the soil much more than calcium… A hundred years ago, we would get maybe 500 milligrams of magnesium in an ordinary diet. Now we’re lucky to get 200 milligrams.”
Even when eating very well it’s hard to obtain enough from food and supplementation may be required. There are several factors that can increase magnesium loss in the body as well such as consuming sugar, caffeine, alcohol and diuretic medications.
When the body is under stress it utilizes more magnesium as well and those under acute and chronic stress may need to supplement even more. The amount of magnesium absorbed will be less in populations with low stomach acid and/or leaky gut which unfortunately are both common concerns.
There are several hundred biochemical reactions in the body that require magnesium and some of the functions include being anti-stress, relaxing skeletal muscles, preventing coronary artery spasm which helps prevent angina and myocardial infarctions, metabolism of certain macronutrients, DNA production and function, treatment of menstrual problems, acute asthma attacks and kidney stones.
Magnesium must be closely balanced with other nutrients and it is always recommended to supplement under observation of a licensed professional. The minimum requirement is set at 6mg per kg of body weight although many experts feel that this standard should be about double.
The average diet usually supplies 120 mg of magnesium per 1000 calories consumed but this can be much less if the diet is comprised of mostly processed foods.
According to a study from 2010 the use of transdermal application of magnesium caused a dramatic increase of cellular levels, the average being just under a 60% increase after twelve weeks of usage. There are many magnesium oil sprays available but making your own is easy and overall less expensive.
DIY Magnesium Oil Spray
You will need
- 1/3 cup filtered water
- 1/3 cup magnesium chloride flakes (often available at your local health store or online)
- 10-15 drops essential oils (optional)
- glass spray bottle
Directions
- Heat the water until almost boiling then take off the heat
- Stir in the magnesium flakes until completely dissolved
- Let cool before adding essential oils
- Pour into glass bottle and shake before use
- The individuals in the study were instructed to spray 20 times onto body each day
- The spray does feel oily but magnesium is not an oil
- Sometimes after the first few applications the skin feels slightly tingly
- If this occurs use less at each application until your body gets used to the magnesium
- Discontinue use immediately if you experience skin irritation or adverse reaction
Sources:
http://www.cnelm.com/NutritionPractitioner/Issues/Issue_11_1/Articles/7%20Transdermal%20Mg%20revised2.pdf
Dean, Carolyn, ND, MD. Magnesium Miracle. Retrieved on December 17, 2013 from http://drcarolyndean.com/magnesium_miracle/
