Have you been suffering with the inability to sleep, muscle soreness, headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, lack of appetite or even depression? Then chances are that you (like many people these days) are lacking in one vital mineral – magnesium. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is necessary in over 300 reactions within the body… so let’s talk about why this mineral is so important and why now is the time to keep yourself topped up! Here, we’re going to talk about a few of the benefits when consumed, along with what they do when applied to the body and absorbed through the skin.

Inner Beauty

A lack of magnesium in your diet can lead to muscle aches or spasms, poor digestion, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. This is because it is an ingredient that is so important to many of the body’s regulatory and biochemical systems and when you are lacking in it, it’ll certainly have an impact on your overall health.

One immediate way you can increase your intake of magnesium by taking supplements.

Senior nutritionist Frankie Brogan also has this to say about magnesium supplements: “Magnesium is a key mineral in our bodies, used for over 300 enzyme functions.  Primarily, it’s necessary for muscle and nerve function, can relax muscles and calm the nervous system.  When we have enough of it, it can be great for stress relief and reduction of anxiety.  Magnesium insufficiency on the other hand, can be highly disruptive to sleep.”

However, taking supplements can sometimes give a laxative effect so please bear that in mind and discussing this with your GP before introducing them into your diet would be recommended. For those of you beauties who have periods… taking magnesium supplements regularly can also really help with reducing cramps. You can also keep yourself topped up naturally with magnesium rich food like the ones below:

  • Spinach
  • Almonds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Figs
  • Dark chocolate
  • Banana

Suffering from heartburn? It is also an excellent neutralizer for acidic substances and is often used to treat acid indigestion or heartburn.

Outer Beauty

You can also absorb magnesium through your skin and this is particularly helpful to relieve any muscle cramps quickly. Experts at WestLab have this to say about taking magnesium topically as opposed to supplements: “Magnesium can be absorbed transdermally which is a great way to provide topical and systemic magnesium. The advantage of transdermal route is that it bypasses the gut thus avoiding the absorption problems as well as avoiding the side effects caused by taking magnesium orally.”

Some of the health benefits include improving acne stabilizing hormonal imbalances, and improving cellular processes. Using something like the BetterYou pure mineral spray will lead to immediate absorption through the skin to support muscle recovery and relieve stiffness and cramps. When used in skin care products, magnesium oxide helps to raise the pH of their formulas and this is beneficial for people with sensitive skin who develop redness and irritation when exposed to harsh, acidic products, so it will soothe the skin. It a great calming agent for the skin, so really useful for anyone with redness or rosacea.

Bath

“Magnesium is a mineral that rarely gets a mention but it crucial to keep us healthy and well. Findings have shown that magnesium deficiency can lead to insomnia. As magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, a soak in a salt bath is another great way to stay topped up.” – Kiss the Moon

One great (and relaxing) way to top up your magnesium intake is through incorporating it into your bath. If you’re unsure where to start, we’d recommend the WestLab Magnesium Flakes and Dr Teal’s Epsom Salts. These particular salts mentioned also include lavender, to make your bath even more relaxing, the warmth of the water and the magnesium itself will help soothe aching, tense muscles, the lavender scent will also help calm your mind. You’ll feel like you’ve given yourself to a spa treatment and will certainly sleep well that night! Magnesium can be absorbed quickly and effectively when the salts/flakes are dissolved in a bath and you allow your body to soak in it, also helping to promote healthy skin and recommended for sufferers of sensitive skin and dry skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. If you prefer using oils in your bath as opposed to salts and flakes, there’s the Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Body Oil – you can either add this to your bath or massage into your skin after your bath or shower.

The benefits of magnesium are extensive and is definitely underappreciated. What are you waiting for? It’s time to get some more magnesium in your system! You’ll feel better in yourself, both in your mind and body!

Jessica xx

Buy Westlab Magnesium flakes for £4.99 from Hello Skin
Buy Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Body Oil for £7.99 from Dr Teal’s
Buy Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution for £7.99 from Dr Teal’s
Buy BetterYou’s Magnesium Oil Spray for £9.51 from Holland & Barrett

(*PR GIFT/SAMPLE)