The great benefit of transdermal magnesium is that magnesium is absorbed via the skin much more efficiently than if you were to ingest tablets or powders, which are hard to digest and absorb properly through the bowel wall, and especially if the digestive system is compromised by IBS. Also, the older we get the less stomach acid is produced, which makes it more difficult to break down magnesium tablets in the stomach.
Most people are lucky if they even get 20% of the magnesium from tablets making it to the tissue cells of the body. If you try to compensate by taking extra oral doses then you can liquefy the stool, in which case the magnesium is lost too quickly and doesn’t make it to the cells. Magnesium chloride has been found to be the most bio-available form of magnesium.
Transdermal absorption of minerals has been practiced for thousands of years as people discovered that when they soaked in mineral-rich hot springs, they had a healing effect and rejuvenation. This process is called ‘Balneotherapy’ and was tested extensively in studies by Russian scientists. Now you can do it for much less expense in the comfort of your own home via foot-soaking with a tablespoon of Elektra Magnesium Flakes for half an hour (or you can have a bath with a cup of flakes). You can also make an alkalising mouth wash that inhibits the build-up of calcium deposits because magnesium pairs with excess calcium and moves it into the bones.
Our high concentration magnesium water-based solution, Magnesium Oil Spritz with pure essential aromatherapy oils, is also ideal for massaging into tight muscles or sore joints for relaxation and stimulation of blood flow to promote healing. Elektra Magnesium Moisturizing Cream with specially blended natural plant oils infused with magnesium chloride hexahydrate (15%) not only keeps the skin well hydrated, soft and supple, but it is also a delivery system for magnesium. 13g (about a dessertspoonful) gives you 300mg of elemental magnesium, which is an average daily supplement if you are reasonably healthy.
You can use it all over the body, face and even as an underarm deodorant. People with very oily skin may find the cream slower to absorb, in which case application of Magnesium Oil Spritz plus magnesium foot-soaking is preferred, and can help with refining pores and alleviating acne. The magnesium cream is best for people with normal to dry skin due to its rich moisturising and conditioning effects. Magnesium ions pass through the epidermis more easily when the skin is well hydrated, which is assisted by application of plant oils or by hot water soaking with magnesium.
HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED? Some people need up to 1000mg of magnesium per day if they have severe magnesium deficiency caused by high stress, excessive physical exercise, sleep deprivation, drugs, burns, operations or any other traumas or stresses. In this case they would need to combine a number of the above methods. The more opportunity you give your body to absorb what it needs the better. The body takes up only the mineral ions it needs at that time. Absorption stops when saturation (equilibrium) is reached. However, you can’t eat on one day for the rest of the week. Similarly, magnesium needs to be available on a daily basis. Think of it as offering your body a ‘smorgasbord’ of magnesium minerals and trace elements to choose from what it needs. You don’t know exactly how much your body needs, but it knows. This need will also change from day to day depending on stresses (as magnesium is wasted under stress). Remember, there is only 1% of magnesium in blood plasma, and it is transient, so blood tests for magnesium can be inaccurate. 99% of magnesium is in the tissue cells. When your body recovers its proper magnesium reserves, the symptoms of magnesium deficiency disappear.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency can include: heart arrhythmias, chronic fatigue, headaches, muscles cramps, twitches and restless legs, acute stress response, irritability and anxiety, insulin and blood sugar (metabolism) disorders, dry skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis, joint pain, inflammation, immune system disorders, vascular tension and high blood pressure and hypercalcaemia (depositing excess calcium in the soft tissue and joints).
Magnesium is the Master Mineral with the most functions. It is the trunk of the nutritional tree that supports and enhances enzyme activity and the work of other nutrients. Magnesium is the main building block of the cell and regulates our nervous system, metabolism, endocrine system and electrolyte balance. Magnesium is essential in: ATP energy production in the cells, repairing DNA links, insulin and blood sugar regulation, production of collagen in connective tissue, bone mineralisation, and detoxification. Researchers have found that chronic magnesium deficiency over time leads to degenerative diseases and hypercalcaemia which age and decay us faster. Adequate magnesium reserves are essential for optimum health and wellness.