The power of magnesium
Magnesium is the new super mineral touted to relieve headaches, minimise muscle aches and ensure a good night’s sleep. But how much of this is true? Spa in a Jar scientific formulator and director Sabine Schroeder (right) said it could do all that and more. “It helps relax muscles, but it also gives you energy which isn’t just relevant to muscles,” she said. “If you have a whopping headache magnesium will definitely help.”
MAGNESIUM is the new super mineral touted to relieve headaches, minimise muscle aches and ensure a good night’s sleep.
But how much of this is true?
Spa in a Jar scientific formulator and director Sabine Schroeder said it could do all that and more.
“It helps relax muscles, but it also gives you energy which isn’t just relevant to muscles,” she said.
“If you have a whopping headache magnesium will definitely help.”
She said the real scope of magnesium’s importance in the human body was huge.
“Your body uses magnesium all day long for about 700 processes,” she said.
“Without magnesium your heart cannot beat in a steady rhythm. It’s very crucial for heart health.
“You can eat mountains of calcium tablets but it will not absorb into your bones unless you have magnesium as the chemical door opener.
“It regulates how much serotonin and dopamine is available in your brain.”
Ms Schroeder said the mineral was traditionally taken as an oral supplement, but more people were moving towards transdermal application by spraying it directly on to the skin daily.
“Choose your mode of delivery wisely. Magnesium chloride through the skin is a very good choice,” she said.
“It’s that easy to supplement every day, you need about six or seven sprays, sometimes more or less depending on your height.”
She said sprays also allowed the powerful mineral to be applied directly to the sources of pain, including for muscle aches and headaches.
“Some people love applying magnesium as a spritzer to their face, which they can do if they avoid their eyes.
“You can apply a spray version on the back of your neck for pain like headaches. It really just takes some common sense to apply it correctly.”
But Ms Schroeder warned not all magnesium supplements were created equal.
She said some magnesium sprays were created with lower quantities of the mineral and more filling agents.
“Ask your pharmacist, or the person selling you the product if you’re at a market or wherever you buy it from, what the concentration is,” Ms Schroeder said.
“Standard sprays can be 5 per cent concentration, however some are up to 15 or even 30 per cent.”
Ms Schroeder said magnesium was an essential mineral that had to be supplemented daily for overall health.