Magnesium is one of the many macro-minerals that are required in a large amount to maintain the normal functioning of our body. Some of the benefits of having sufficient magnesium intake are maintaining normal nerve function and steady heartbeats, sustaining the immune system, keeping your bones strong, regulating blood pressure and also increasing energy metabolism rate and protein synthesis.

Benefits of Magnesium Supplements

In order to gain sufficient magnesium in our body, minerals intake through food alone is not enough. You may try to count the nutrients and minerals that the particular food or meal contain, but you’d also have to be aware that this method is not fully reliable. In average, the whole digestive process for food to pass through your stomach to the small intestine and then into the large intestine for further nutrients reabsorption will take up to about 6 to 8 hours. The process is slow and long and some nutrients may not be absorbed or be lost in the way.

In the form of supplements, magnesium is often combined with other minerals to help speedy nutrients absorption (like Salt Lab’s magnesium bath salts that contain magnesium chloride). Unlike nutrients in the food we eat, the time needed to digest and absorb nutrients from a tablet or from applied supplements would be faster and more effective. Speedy absorption of nutrients also meant that fewer nutrients will be lost during the absorption process. With magnesium supplements, we can be more affirmed that we are receiving sufficient, or if not more, minerals to keep our body working healthily.

• Magnesium Supplements for DOMS

DOMS, also known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, is the pain and stiffness felt in the muscles after strenuous exercise routines. This pain can be felt immediately or a day after the workout and it might still be there for the next several days. In situations like this, we aim for rapid and effective recovery so we can get back on track. Magnesium supplements will help muscles contract and relax and apart from aiding recovery, it will also help ease soreness for better and more comfortable rest or sleep. Salt Lab’s transdermal magnesium spray, for example, would also be able to ease muscle cramps.

• Magnesium Supplements for Sleep

Apart from relaxing muscles, magnesium also has the benefits of calming nerves. This is why sufficient magnesium intake is also believed to have an effect on maintaining good emotional and mental health. With calmed and relaxed nerve, one would be able to achieve a better and deeper sleep. Taking a warm bath before sleep is said to be effective in soothing and relaxing the tired and tensed body that has been active throughout the day. To enhance this experience, Salt Lab’s Magnesium Bath Salts can be added into the bath. Soaking in the bath for about 20 minutes will not only help you relax and relieve stress, it will also improve blood circulation and detoxification process during sleep.

To be Consumed or Applied?

With all the benefits of magnesium supplements discussed above, now the question lies in whether the supplements are best if consumed or applied? Like any other supplements, magnesium supplements can come in the form of tablets or as products that can be applied to the skin. Following our discussion from above, consuming magnesium supplements tablets would still have to go through the digestive or nutrients absorption process, but if applied, the minerals will simply be absorbed through the skin then into the bloodstream. This form of mineral intake is known as the transdermal magnesium therapy. Undoubtedly, it allows you to easily absorb high-quality magnesium through the skin at a much more rapid rate than taking oral supplementation.