About half the magnesium in our bodies can be found in our bones. When we are deficient, calcium is drawn from our bones and deposited into soft tissue, rather than in the bones. This is why when we are low in magnesium it is likely we will also be low in calcium as it impairs utilization of calcium for bone building. When we have sufficient magnesium our calcium levels will also elevate, even without taking supplements.

Magnesium is also important to help activate B and D vitamins and also to help the blood to clot and is required for the secretion of insulin.

Why Have We Become Magnesium Deficient?

The soil that was used to grow our foods a long time ago, before commercial farming, used to be rich in lots of minerals including magnesium and this would be our major source. The majority of our farming methods these days have left our soils deplete of all thing good for us, hence we find ourselves deficient in these important minerals.

There are many symptoms that can show us that our stores are low:

• Muscle Tremors
• Migraines
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Difficulty going to sleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Lethargy
• Muscle cramps
• Tremors
• Involuntary eye movements and vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting

(These could also be signs for other ailments, if you are concerned or not too sure please see your medical practioner.)

Food Sources That Naturally Contain Magnesium

There are lots of food sources that naturally contain magnesium such as:

• Almonds
• Spinach
• Cashews
• Avocado
• Raw Cacao - may contain one of the biggest amounts in the food chain

It is also important to note that if we don't have a healthy gut, no matter how healthy our diet is, we won't be able to absorb the nutrients from them.

What is Transdermal Magnesium?

Transdermal magnesium is applied to the skin, rather than taken orally. The easiest way to increase magnesium levels is to apply a transdermal magnesium on to our skin. This is also beneficial for people who have low tolerance for oral magnesium that have intestinal complaints.

Transdermal magnesium comes in many forms:

• Magnesium Oil
• Magnesium Gel
• Magnesium Lotion
• Bath Flakes

These are super concentrated forms of Magnesium chloride, known for its superior solubility. By applying it straight on to the skin it passes directly into the tissues where it is quickly transported to cells throughout the body.

It is very easy to use in the comfort of our own home. We can either rub in the lotion, spray oil directly onto the skin, or take a relaxing bath infused with magnesium bath salts (my personal favorite).

Magnesium Lotion, Gel, or Oil

Simply apply magnesium directly onto your skin, arms, legs, anywhere you feel you need it, or on the tops and bottoms of the feet I prefer do this as I am getting into bed so I don't slip until it absorbs. I have found doing this before bed really gives me a wonderful night's sleep.

Magnesium Bath

If you would like to have a magnesium bath simply fill the bath with water, not too hot, and add 1 to 3 cups of magnesium bath salts. If you like to, you can also add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil, light a few candles, put on some soothing music, and relax.

Stay in the bath if you can for 20-30 minutes to let the mineral absorb into your skin. When you have finished, rinse yourself in cool water and then gently pat dry.

Relaxing Foot Soak

After a hard day get a foot bowl with warm water and add some magnesium salts in there. It is a quick and effective way of letting our body absorb this special mineral.

If you get into the habit of applying magnesium everyday you can be sure that your magnesium levels will gradually rise. It can take time to see results as it depends on how deficient we are in the first place and if we are at all. It has been said that it can take up to 6 weeks to an entire year or more before you feel any difference. It will differ for everyone.

Why Is Magnesium Important?

It has been said that it can help in an amazing amount of ways. These are only a few:

• Cramps
• Migraines
• Stress and anxiety
• Tinnitus
• Epilepsy
• Confusion, brain fog
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Cluster Headaches
• Asthma
• Osteoporosis
• Insomnia
• Muscles tremors
• Aches and pains

I hope this helps explain to you more about the wonder mineral, magnesium, and how important it is for our bodies to function at its optimum. I also hope it has given you confidence in now knowing how to use magnesium. It really is that easy.

Written by Sarah Jepson of essentiallyhealth.com.au