Many people have a magnesium deficiency without knowing it. The complaints can be chronic headaches, fatigue complaints, fibromyalgia, rheumatic complaints and so on. Magnesium is a very important mineral for the body. Like iron, zinc or calcium, it is a substance that we do not produce ourselves, but have to get from our diet.
Magnesium salts and oils for the skin have been very popular for some time. I have recently become a big fan myself. Taking a magnesium footbath turns out to be a very effective way to replenish your magnesium levels, and therefore relieve symptoms like fatigue, migraines, and muscle cramps. Besides that, it has a very good effect on your sleep.
Why magnesium is important
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for your energy metabolism and is involved in the transmission of impulses in our nervous system. The mineral is also essential for proper muscle function, including that of the heart. In addition to heart rhythm, magnesium also regulates blood pressure and has a role in immune system function. Magnesium works closely with both minerals; calcium and vitamin D.
Magnesium is also very important for your bones and teeth. It plays a role in preventing osteoporosis. Often people think that osteoporosis is only a result of calcium deficiency. But for proper bone formation, all "bone minerals" are important. Calcium and magnesium are the minerals you need most for your bones. Magnesium is good for maintaining strong bones. If you want to combat osteoporosis, take enough magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzyme reactions, making it necessary for the biochemical functioning of numerous metabolic pathways in your body. Insufficient magnesium can damage those biochemical processes or severely limit the processes.
Magnesium relaxes the muscles and calcium tightens them. Thus, the balance between magnesium and calcium provides an important balance between tension and relaxation in your body. Sufficient magnesium helps against muscle pain. In fact, magnesium also ensures the ability to relax the whole body; not only the muscles but also the brain.
What does magnesium have to do with stress?
Stress is one of the main causes of magnesium deficiency. The more physical or mental stress, the more magnesium you consume. And with lower magnesium levels in your cells, you are more susceptible to stress. Which means you end up in a vicious cycle.
Magnesium has a calming effect and relaxes your muscles, blood vessels and even your brain. This allows you to sleep more relaxed. Besides that, magnesium also plays an important role in the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Magnesium is thus a true anti-stress mineral.
Where can magnesium be found?
To get more magnesium through your diet, ideally eat green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and kernels, avocado, dried fruits, and raw cacao. Still, getting enough magnesium from your diet remains a challenge, especially with a busy lifestyle.
Complaints due to magnesium deficiency
It is still very difficult to demonstrate magnesium deficiency through blood tests. A magnesium deficiency is by no means always accompanied by a reduced level of magnesium in the blood, because the mineral may also have been released from the bones to bring the blood level up to normal. But there are symptoms described that may indicate low magnesium levels. The main ones are: lethargy, inability to sleep, fatigue, muscle cramps, tired legs, and migraines. Insufficient magnesium intake has also been found to increase the risk of a range of chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Supplementing: swallowing or bathing?
Of course, there are all kinds of supplements to maintain your daily mineral intake. However, many of these work with magnesium oxide, a form that is actually less well absorbed by the body. Moreover, overdosing can easily cause intestinal problems such as diarrhea. Therefore, instead of swallowing, you can bathe or lubricate magnesium. Research has shown that magnesium in salt flakes or oil form is very well absorbed through the skin and thus can easily reach the bloodstream.
When you have skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, acne or other skin problems, it is often a sign of deeper problems in the body. Since the skin is also an elimination organ, the body will push toxins through the skin when the other organs such as the intestine, liver or kidneys are overloaded. A damaged gut can also make it difficult for the digestive system to absorb magnesium and other minerals. Therefore, topical application with magnesium oil or taking magnesium baths is a great solution.
My personal experience
I love to have 2 to 3 times per week a magnesium footbath in the evening after a workout. I combine it with watching a movie or reading a book. It totally relaxes my muscles and I sleep very well at night! Besides having a magnesium footbath I consume a lot of raw cacao to get enough magnesium in my body. You can add a spoonful of raw cacao to your quark or yoghurt together with a spoonful of peanut butter. I really like this combination together with half a banana. I highly recommend that you also try these two ways of extra magnesium intake for yourself if you live a busy but active and healthy lifestyle!
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