Magnesium Oil – Transdermal Magnesium

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

A number of scientific studies have linked pre-menstrual tension – PMT (also called Pre-mentrual Syndrome) – with magnesium deficiency in the woman’s body.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is experienced as a group of physical and emotional symptoms which some women experience 1-2 weeks before their menstrual period. Normally, these symptoms subside when the period starts and within a couple of days of menstrual flow. Statistics indicate that PMS affects over 80% of women of the reproductive age at some point in their lives, and about 40% of women experience symptoms bad enough to affect their daily life.

The symptoms may include, but are not limited to, cramps, dizziness, tender breasts, water retention & swelling of the body, abdominal bloating, food cravings, especially for chocolate, nausea, vomiting, stomach upsets, appetite changes, insomnia, general discomfort, anger, irritability, crying seemingly for no reason, aches and pains all over the body, fatigue, lowered immunity, and a number of other symptoms.

Facchinetti F, Borella P, Sances G, Fioroni L, Nappi RE, Genazzani AR report the following results of a 2-months’ study of 32 women-sufferers from PMS:

“To evaluate the effects of an oral Mg preparation on premenstrual symptoms, we studied, by a double-blind, randomized design, 32 women (24-39 years old) with PMS confirmed by the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. After 2 months of baseline recording, the subjects were randomly assigned to placebo or Mg for two cycles. In the next two cycles, both groups received Mg. Magnesium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (360 mg Mg) or placebo was administered three times a day, from the 15th day of the menstrual cycle to the onset of menstrual flow. Blood samples for Mg measurement were drawn premenstrually, during the baseline period, and in the second and fourth months of treatment. The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire score of the cluster “pain” was significantly reduced during the second month in both groups, whereas Mg treatment significantly affected both the total Menstrual Distress Questionnaire score and the cluster “negative affect.” In the second month, the women assigned to treatment showed a significant increase in Mg in lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, whereas no changes were observed in plasma and erythrocytes. These data indicate that Mg supplementation could represent an effective treatment of premenstrual symptoms related to mood changes.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2067759

“Three small double-blind RCTs have investigated the effect of magnesium supplementation in PMS. A trial in 38 women with relatively mild PMS found that a daily supplement of 200mg of magnesium reduced one out of six studied symptom categories. Fluid retention was significantly reduced in the second, but not the first month of use, but there were no significant effects on emotional symptoms… Supplementation with magnesium 360mg/day in 32 women significantly reduced total PMS symptoms, specifically those related to mood,23 while in another trial in 20 women with premenstrual migraine, the same dose of magnesium significantly reduced the number of days with headache.” National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome

The complexiities of the reproductive cycle mean that the body mobilises itself for possible fertilisation and pregnancy. This preparation leads to a number of hormones being produced in large quantities, and released into the body, leading to physiological and psychological changes in all the body systems. Magnesium plays a very important role not only in the production of hormones, but as an integral part of ATP – the energy molecule of every cell.

Premenstrual activity in the woman’s body requires a lot of magnesium. If it is in short supply, then certain processes are slowed down, and general physical and psychological tension, fatigue, cramps, aches, pain, lack of energy follow as just some of the numerous symptoms of what we call Premenstrual Tension.

The studies mentioned above were using oral magnesium supplementation to draw the positive conclusions about the role of magnesium in reducing the symptoms of PMS. However, oral magnesium supplementation has its limitations. Not everyone can absorb it via the digestive tract, and even those who can, absorb only a relatively small percentage of what has been ingested. Much of oral magnesium passes through the body unabsorbed. The chances increase when chelated magnesium is taken instead of cheaper forms of it. Magnesium citrate, magnesium orotate are some of the chelated forms of the good quality magnesium supplement. They will also be milder on the stomach, since unlike magnesium oxide, they do not take hydrocholric acid out of the body, so do not upset digestion.

To increase magnesium absorption into the body, I suggest using magnesium chloride transdermally – in the form of magnesium oil to spray the body with daily, or to massage it derectly into the skin. The oil can be strong and irritating for some, being a concentrated salt solution, so can be mixed with water as desired, to soften its action. You will still get sufficient magnesium from it to benefit from transdermal supplementation.

Another way is to soak in magnesium baths, preferably daily, using either magnesium chloride flake or Epsom salt. Although Epsom salt is cheaper to buy, magnesium chloride is a better option, since it has a simpler molecular structure, and gets straight to where it is needed. Dr Mark Sircus recommends magnesium sulphate for transdermal magnesium supplementation in most cases, except for some specific conditions. You would need betwen 500g-1kg of magnesium chloride per bath.

Various research results have shown that transdermal supplementation replenishes magnesium in the body much faster than oral supplementation. Of course, intravenous injections would be even faster, but for majority of people they are not necessary. I suggest using magnesium transdermally on a daily basis for 2 weeks at the start of the treatment, and once every 2-3 days afterwards, or as required.

Other natural remedies include vitamin B complex, Vitex Agnus Castus (Chaste Berry) – to regulate hormones, Evening primprose oil, and calcium. Exercise, sufficient sleep and healthy nutrition are also advised.

Caution:
Always check with your medical doctor for any supplementation – oral or transdermal, since certain conditions and medications would mean exercising caution in this respect.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

My sister had a very bad case of Hepatitis A when she was a little child. Her liver suffered a lot as a result of this dreadful illness, and ever since then she has been unable to eat various foods, due to difficulties with processing fats and sugars. She goes to see the liver specialist regularly. One day a doctor she was seeing gave her a recipe for liver detox which she has been using ever since, with great results.


The procedure involves Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate, or magnesium sulfate), some warm water, lemon, and a hot water bottle.


She mixes 1 level tablespoon of Epsom salt with a glass of warm water (about 250ml) and drinks it early in the morning when still in bed. Sometimes she uses mineral water. In Russia we have bottled mineral water which is very rich in magnesium sulphate salts, which I have been unable to find here. She has a hot water bottle ready, which she covers with a cloth to keep it warm but not hot, and places it on the liver area, while lying down on her right side. She stays in bed until she feels an urge to pass stool. Epsom salts relax the bile ducts, liver, intestines and promote peristalsis. A hot water bottle placed on the liver increases blood circulation in the liver/ gall bladder area.


The whole process is very powerful and cleansing for the whole body, not just the liver. But of course the liver is the main recipient of this luxurious treatment. A glass of warm water with half a lemon after that works really well, promoting detoxification. My sister goes on without food, on lemon water, for the whole day. She repeats the process once every two weeks. Sometimes she does it every week. The result of this detoxification procedure is raised energy, feeling of lightness, clear mind, better skin. It can also be a great starting point for weight loss. A magnesium chloride bath (or Epsom salt bath) can be used to replenish magnesium in the body and promote the process of detoxification.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

With the season of cold and flu in full swing, I thought of writing about the role of salts – magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate – in the treatment of colds and flu.


As the second most abundant mineral in the human body, magnesium plays a very important part in how our bodies respond to infection. Here is an abstract from a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition:


“Regarding the relation between Mg and the immune system, several groups leading in Nutrition and Immunology have shown evidence that magnesium plays a key role in the immune response; that is, as a co-factor for immunoglobulin synthesis, C’3 convertase, immune cell adherence, antibody-dependent cytolysis, IgM lymphocyte binding, macrophage response to lymphokines and T helper–B cell adherence (Galland, 1988).” (“Possible roles of magnesium on the immune system”, M Tam, S Gómez, M González-Gross and A Marcos, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, 1193–1197. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601689).


Dr Mark Sircus observes in his book “Transdermal Magnesium Therapy”: “Our bodies are best served when they are brimming with magnesium reserves and we need to absorb a sufficient amount each and every day. A magnesium saturated body will have a tougher immune system that will fight more easily against infections and influenza.” (“Transdermal Magnesium Therapy”, 2007, p.200).


A person who is already ill or is recovering from an infection will require a higher dose of magnesium than a healthy person. Normally magnesium oil – the best source of magnesium for transdermal magnesium therapy – should be applied transdermally once a day, by rubbing or spraying it on the body. Magnesium oil is highly concentrated, so can sting, especially if one has sensitive skin. It is advisable in this case to dilute magnesium oil in a 1:1 or even 1:2 ratio of magnesium oil to water. It is also easy to make own magnesium oil – by mixing good quality magnesium flakes with water, to suit hyour skin type. Magnesium foot baths is another very effective way to relax and replenish the body with magnesium. Use about 150ml of magnesium oil per oot bath, or 100g of flakes. Take foot baths every day for 7 days, and then 2-3 times a week afterwards.


When using in a bath, add 200-250ml of magnesium oil to a warm bath. If using magnesium flakes – about 150g should do, although some people prefer a more concentrated bath, and this is fine too. When just starting with transdermal magnesium therapy, the best thing is to apply the oil or have a bath every day for a week, and then 2-3 times a week, or as required.


It is also important to rememeber that infection thrives in an an acidic/ low pH environment, so alkalising the body is important. Dr Sircus has written a lot about alkalising the body with sodium bicarbonate. I can also suggest bathing in and drinking sodium bentonite clay mixed with water. Not only will it alkalise the body (sodium bentonite has a typicl pH of 9-10), but will also pick up heavy metals and organic toxins from the body through ion exchange mechanism. Clays are mild but at the same time powerful natural substances which work with the body systems in a very intelligent and harmonious way, adjusting what needs to be adjusted, removing what needs to be removed, leaving what needs to be left and replacing deficient minerals.


A few words should be said about Himalayan salt. It is an ancient salt which is mined in the salt caves of the Himalayas. It is unchanged by processing, and works really well for colds and flu - both when rinsing an infected throat and nose. For rinsing the nose, I can suggest using 2-2.5 grams of salt per 100ml of water, adding to it 5g (level teaspoonful) of sodium bicarbonate. Pour it in a bowl, and start breathing “sucking” it into the nose by inhaling slowly. Once it is in the nose, and just before it gets into the mouth, push it out by exhaling through the nose. Do it a couple of times. You will feel the urge to blow the nose afterwards, and the sinuses will feel much clearer as a result.


For rinsing the throat the amount of the salt can be increased to a full teaspoonful (5g) of salt and sodium bicarbonate. Rinse at least 6 times a day, until the infection goes away.


Himalayan salt is easily available online these days. Sea salt can also be used (preferably unprocessed), or Dead Sea salt. And although magnesium chloride is the best salt for transdermal magnesium applications, if it is not available, then Epsom salt is the next best alternative. Baths with Epsom salt are both relaxing and detoxifying. They are also a great source of magnesium for the body.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

Magnesium plays vital role in carbohydrate metabolism. Low magnesium levels are recognised by medical practitioners both as a marker for diabetes and a reason for it. Low magnesium levels lead to insulin resistance of body cells, and a decrease in the production of insulin. This happens because both processes require magnesium.

Body cell membranes open up to allow the influx of glucose, with the help of insulin. When the cell insulin receptors stop reacting to insulin, membranes fail to open, glucose cannot enter the cell, so staying in the blood. As a result, insulin resistance develops which leads to elevation of glucose and insulin levels in the blood. This leads to tissue damage which results in a dramatic reduction of magnesium level in the body, and this in turn leads to an increased risk of cholesterol build-up, heart disease, and an onset of diabetes. However, when magnesium level in the body rises, insulin sensitivity of body cells increases, and glucose level in the blood normalises. This is one of the reasons why magnesium supplementation is so important in people with type 2 diabetes.

Another important feature of magnesium is that it is used by the isles of Langerhans to produce insulin. Where magnesium is deficient, insulin production is insufficient. And on the other hand, with adequate magnesium supplementation insulin production normalises.

Some of the reasons for magnesium deficiency include heavy metal toxicity. Lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminium destroy the beta cells which produce insulin in the process of auto-immune reaction. These heavy metals bond with the cells in the pancreas triggering an auto-immune reaction and destruction of the beta-cells which produce insulin.

Junk foods which have taken over the globe, has a lot to answer for. Not only it contains a huge amount of sugar and fat, but also a large number of chemicals which are used by the food industry. These toxic substances rob the body of vital minerals, with magnesium to be the main one to suffer.

Pesticides, growth hormones, poisons in plastic packaging, cosmetics, medicines, alcohol, drugs, chemotherapy, vaccines – these are some other factors which bind with magnesium in the body and virtually suck us dry of this mineral of life, thus undermining our immunity and making us sick.

Diabetes sufferers have a higher requirement in magnesium than a healthy person. For this reason it is hard to over-estimate how important it is for a person with diabetes to ensure that their magnesium levels are topped up regularly.

There are various ways to top up magnesium levels.

Oral supplementation is probably the first one most of us will think of when we talk about topping up our level of magnesium in the body. However, not all of us can absorb oral magnesium efficiently, especially if the digestive system is clogged up with impurities, or is not very efficient – which is true of the majority of the world population over the age of 30. Even when it is healthy, much of magnesium we take orally passes through the body unabsorbed, and if we take too much then even less of it will be absorbed, since it is a laxative.


This makes transdermal magnesium supplementation a much more suitable and attractive option for most people. Transdermally, magnesium gets into the cells – where it is most needed – much more quickly than it does when taken by mouth.


The most popular ways to supplement magnesium transdermally is by taking a bath, using magnesium spray, or in a massage. Body spray and massage are most economical ways to do it. Just spray or massage the body with magnesium oil once a day after a bath or a shower. Leave it on for 1 hour, or even overnight if you can, and you should feel the relaxing and tension relieving effects of magnesium very soon.


Transdermally, magnesium can also be administered in baths, foot baths and compresses. For a bath I suggest using magnesium flakes as the more economical way to achieve the best concentration. Use about 500g -1kg of magnesium chloride flake in a bath, and 250g – 500g in a foot bath. Such procedures are most beneficial before bed time, since deep relaxation resulting from and increase of magnesium in the body will certainly promote sleep.

ALTERNATIVES TO MAGNESIUM OIL & FLAKE

Although Magnesium Chloride is deemed by experts to be the easiest absorbed form of magnesium, there are other well-known sources of magnesium – Epsom Salt and Dead Sea salt. Epsom salt contains magnesium bound by sulphur, which is more suitable for some purposes where sulphur compounds are important – e.g. in liver detox and in treating children with Asperger’s syndrome.

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FAR-INFRARED MAGNESIUM WRAP – POWERFUL WAY TO OPTIMISE MAGNESIUM LEVELS TRANSDERMALLY


This is an amazingly relaxing and therapeutic treatment which I have developed recently. It is aimed at those who are desperately deficient in magnesium and need quick supplementation. The treatment uses far-infrared heat to open up pores and boost circulation not only in the skin, but in deeper body structures. With the pores open and blood flow increased, magnesium stands a better chance to be absorbed quickly and in large quantities.


The treatment is preceded by a massage to stimulate circulation and soften up the tissues. The infrared heat helps open up the cell membranes, which contributes towards magnesium absorption.


Apart from being very therapeutic, the treatment is thoroughly relaxing, thanks to the effects of magnesium and the infrared heat. It promotes detoxification on the cellular level, helps to relieve aches, pains, muscle spasms, arthritis, sleep problems, fatigue, boost immunity, promote relaxation, help relieve water retention and is a really great start to a weight loss programme. People generally lose a lot of water during the treatment which has an added physical effect of feeling lighter afterwards.


One of my customers described the way she felt during the treatment as “wrapped in a soft cocoon”, and another said that it felt “like being in a mother’s womb waiting to be born”.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

I am now reading a book by Dr Mark Sircus – “New Paradigms in Diabetic Care”.

Like all of Dr Sircus’s books, it is packed with deep substantiated research information on diabetes, and information on how not only type 2, but type 1 diabetes can be reversed using natural, drug-free approach and remedies – magnesium chloride (and other forms of magnesium), iodine, herbs, juices, raw foods, changes in mental attitudes, lifestyle, emotional make-up, and much much more.

The book will help not only those who are suffering from diabetes, but people with pre-diabetic conditions (a rapidly growing number of the world population). And even if you are free from diabetes and lead a healthy lifestyle, I am sure that you know a few people who could benefit from reading this book. Recommend it to them – it may save their lives. It is in an e-book format, so can be downloaded and read straight away. All the best!

Buy it here: New Paradigms in Diabetic Care




WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

HEALTHY LIVING

During the winter months, the number of people who suffer from colds and flu soars.

Both are respiratory infections and they share similar symptoms. As they are caused by viruses, antibiotics have no effect on them. But what’s the difference between them?

Colds

Symptoms of the common cold can be caused by more than two hundred different viruses, which is why you can’t be immune to the common cold; immunity to a single cold virus will not protect you against the other 199 or so!

It’s estimated that children have between four and eight colds a year, while adults have around two to four. You can catch a cold at any time of the year, but they are more common during the autumn and winter months.

Generally, cold symptoms develop gradually, but symptoms should begin to imporove after a few days.

Common cold symptoms include:

• Runny or blocked nose, with mucus
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Sore throat

However, people may also experience a mild fever (especially children), fatigue, earache and headache.

Flu

Just three viruses are responsible for the misery we know as flu. The viruses are capable of undergoing small genetic changes, which often lead to new viral strains.

Having flu one year does not mean that you will be immune to the virus the following year as a new viral strain may be circulating.

Flu can cause severe illness, especially among the very young, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

The symptoms of flu usually develop much more quickly than those of a cold, and can be more severe. These should improve after a week, but can leave the person still feeling weak and tired.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Sudden fever – a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
• Sudden dry, chesty cough
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Chills
• Aches in muscles and joints
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping

Most colds and flu can be treated at home with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking painkillers such as paracetamol.
When to visit the doctor

People at high risk of complications such as the over-65s, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions or who have weakened immune systems should visit the doctor if they suspect they have flu.

Anyone with severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, chest pain, unusually severe headache, severe or persistent vomiting, or a very high temperature should always be checked by a doctor, whether or not it’s caused by the flu or a cold.

In addition to these, children should be seen by a doctor if their skin turns a bluish/grey colour, if they are difficult to wake, lack alertness or are lethargic or if their flu-like symptoms appear to improve but return again with fever and a cough.
Prevention

Flu and cold viruses are spread from person to person by droplets or aerosols produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can become infected by breathing in the aerosols or touching a surface contaminated with the virus, then touching your own face.

Good hygiene can help to lower your risk of becoming infected:

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue
• Throw used tissues into a bin; don’t leave them lying around
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water to stop the virus spreading from hands to face
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) regularly using normal cleaning products

An annual flu vaccine is free to those at high risk of complications.

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How magnesium can help:

• Use magnesium chloride solution to rinse a sore throat – 1tsp per 100g of warm water
• Use the same solution as for the throat to rinse a blocked nose
• Use 500g of Epsom Salt or Magnesium Chloride in a warm water bath to soak aching muscles (avoid taking a bath when having a fever)
• Apply a warm magnersium compress on the back of the head if having a headache.

  WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?
  
  
  To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

By Galina St George




Oral supplementation is probably the first one most of us will think of when we talk about topping up our level of magnesium in the body. However, not all of us can absorb oral magnesium efficiently, especially if the digestive system is clogged up with impurities, or is not very efficient – which is true of the majority of the world population over the age of 30. Even when it is healthy, much of magnesium we take orally passes through the body unabsorbed, and if we take too much then even less of it will be absorbed, since it is a laxative.


This makes transdermal magnesium supplementation a much more suitable and attractive option for most people. Transdermally, magnesium gets into the cells – where it is most needed – much more quickly than it does when taken by mouth.


The most popular ways to supplement magnesium transdermally is by taking a bath, using magnesium spray, or in a massage. Body spray and massage are most economical ways to do it. Just spray or massage the body with magnesium oil once a day after a bath or a shower. Leave it on for 1 hour, or even overnight if you can, and you should feel the relaxing and tension relieving effects of magnesium very soon.


Transdermally, magnesium can also be administered in baths, foot baths and compresses. For a bath I suggest using magnesium flakes as the more economical way to achieve the best concentration. Use about 500g -1kg of magnesium chloride flake in a bath, and 250g – 500g in a foot bath. Such procedures are most beneficial before bed time, since deep relaxation resulting from and increase of magnesium in the body will certainly promote sleep.

ALTERNATIVES TO MAGNESIUM OIL & FLAKE

Although Magnesium Chloride is deemed by experts to be the easiest absorbed form of magnesium, there are other well-known sources of magnesium – Epsom Salt and Dead Sea salt. Epsom salt contains magnesium bound by sulphur, which is more suitable for some purposes where sulphur compounds are important – e.g. in liver detox and in treating children with Asperger’s syndrome.

=============================================




FAR-INFRARED MAGNESIUM WRAP – POWERFUL WAY TO OPTIMISE MAGNESIUM LEVELS TRANSDERMALLY


This is an amazingly relaxing and therapeutic treatment which I have developed recently. It is aimed at those who are desperately deficient in magnesium and need quick supplementation. The treatment uses far-infrared heat to open up pores and boost circulation not only in the skin, but in deeper body structures. With the pores open and blood flow increased, magnesium stands a better chance to be absorbed quickly and in large quantities.


The treatment is preceded by a massage to stimulate circulation and soften up the tissues. The infrared heat helps open up the cell membranes, which contributes towards magnesium absorption.


Apart from being very therapeutic, the treatment is thoroughly relaxing, thanks to the effects of magnesium and the infrared heat. It promotes detoxification on the cellular level, helps to relieve aches, pains, muscle spasms, arthritis, sleep problems, fatigue, boost immunity, promote relaxation, help relieve water retention and is a really great start to a weight loss programme. People generally lose a lot of water during the treatment which has an added physical effect of feeling lighter afterwards.


One of my customers described the way she felt during the treatment as “wrapped in a soft cocoon”, and another said that it felt “like being in a mother’s womb waiting to be born”.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.

Here is a reference to another very good article about the role of Vitamin D as a natural antidepressant:

Research shows vitamin D has natural anti-depressant action

Another winter is coming. While the large majority of people can adjust to the seasonal changes thanks to the body’s adaptive mechanisms, and just go with it naturally, there is no secret that some dread the onset of yet another period of longer nights and shorter days, little sunshine and cold temperatures. For most it is the lack of sunshine that leads to the slump in energy levels and low spirits.

I found a good article about various natural ways of dealing with winter blues. These strategies are not new, but perhaps forgotten by some. I am particularly interested in the role of vitamin D3 in dealing with depression. And of course we should not forget that MAGNESIUM plays a crucial role in the release and uptake of serotonin by brain cells.

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10 Natural Antidepressants to Boost Your Spirits

By Shannon Bnidler & Margalit Ward

“What do you do when you’re feeling blue? We all want to be happier, yet as a society depression is on the rise. As life coaches we believe each person has unique solutions to their problems. While antidepressants are the answer for some with clinical depression, others may seek natural methods in addition to or as an alternative to taking medication. While there is no cure-all for depression, there is research supporting several natural options that may help boost our minds as well as our spirits.

1. Get your hands in the dirt. Gardening has long been known for its meditative, relaxing, and grounding effects. Medical News Today reports that UK scientists have discovered friendly bacteria in soil that reportedly affects the brain in a way similar to antidepressants by increasing the release of serotonin. A great, easy to follow gardening guide is RHS Gardening Month by Month, by Ian Spence.

2. Meditate. Many of us have all heard that meditation reduces stress. Scientists are now beginning to uncover evidence that meditation has a tangible effect on the brain. Professor Mark Williams, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford conducted a trial study reported by the BBC News, indicates that meditation reduces the likelihood of depression by over 50%. “It suggests to people that they begin to see all their thoughts as just thoughts, whether they are positive, negative or neutral.” Get Self Centered offers meditation workshops and retreats across the US. Or, learn to practice from home with Jack Kornfield’s downloadable audiobook, Meditation for Beginners.

3. Burn Incense. Incense has long been used in religious rituals and hippy living rooms across the globe to create a peaceful environment. In a new study (that can be found at The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal an international team of scientists have discovered how burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain that alleviate depression. Floracopeia provides high quality, organic frankincense available as incense and essential oil.

4. Ingest a yellow flower. St. John’s Wort is a wild yellow flower that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s Wort is helpful in treating mild to moderate depression. Two large studies, one sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), showed that the herb may be helpful for treating mild depression, however it may not be effective for treating major depression…

5. Eat Sushi. Research has shown that fatty fish oil can actually improve wellbeing. People suffering from depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. One study (Nemets & Belmaker – American Journal of Psychiatry) showed that the lower the level of EPA, the more severe the clinical depression. In addition, fish oil supplementation reduced suicidal tendencies and improved the well being when 40 people were given fish oil or placebo for 12 weeks (Hallahan, Hibbeln, Davis – British Journal of Psychiatry). Fish oil can be found in raw and cooked fish and can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Zebra Organics is a great source for high quality, organic fish oil supplements.

6. Move your body. Talk a walk, ride a bike, hit the gym, or go dancing. Science indicates that people who regularly exercise benefit from positive boosts in mood and reduce the risk of depression. When you exercise, the body naturally releases chemicals called endorphins that trigger positive feelings in the body and mind.

7. Use natural sweeteners such as Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup. Some studies have linked the use of refined sugar to depression. Author William Dufty creates a strong argument for avoiding sugar in his book Sugar Blues. Another interesting book on the subject is Sugar Shock, by Connie Bennett with Stephen Sinatra, M.D. Natural sweeteners such as Agave (a sweet cactus nectar) and maple syrup (a sweetener made from the sap of maple trees) can be used as natural alternatives to refined sugar.

8. Get in the sunshine. Vitamin D has been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Researchers from the University of Toronto noticed that people who were suffering from depression, particularly those with seasonal affective disorder, tended to improve as their levels of vitamin D in the body increased over the normal course of a year. The recommendation is to allow yourself limited, unprotected sun exposure in the early morning and late afternoon (no more than 15 minutes for light-skinned individuals, 40 minutes for darker skin)…

9. Have a good laugh. Have you ever noticed the physical response you sometimes have after a good laugh? Studies show that laughter fights the onset of depression by reducing stress hormones. The positive results of laughter may encourage people to relax and release the stress that often causes depression. Reading the comics, watching your favorite sitcom, or listening to a comedian may actually be a prescription for happiness.

10. Use depression to make you stronger. Can depression actually make you healthier? A recent article from the BBC News features Dr Paul Keedwell, an expert on mood disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. Keedwell says that depression is not a human defect at all, but a defense mechanism that in its mild and moderate forms can force a healthy reassessment of personal circumstances. “Don’t beat yourself up about being depressed, in most cases it will run its course provided you take yourself out of the situation that caused it.” Depression can actually serve a purpose, deepening and enriching the human experience. By overcoming challenging times in our lives, we can actually become stronger evolutionarily speaking.

Simply recognizing we are feeling depressed can be the first step towards changing it. We all experience difficult stages in our lives and while we recommend seeing a professional to help alleviate clinical depression, we also have found that little changes in our diet and lifestyle can go a long way. So the next time the blues get you down, you can try lighting up some frankincense, ordering a fish taco, and chowing it down in the sunshine. Hey, worth a try. ”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-bindler/10-natural-antidepressant_b_232506.html

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ROLE OF MAGNESIUM IN PREVENTING AND TREATING DEPRESSION

I would like to add to this article that MAGNESIUM plays a crucial role in the release and uptake of serotonin by the brain cells. When there is sufficient magnesium in the body we produce enough serotonin and are in balance. When magnesium levels are depleted, which is especially the case in winter months, since so much of it is needed for various body processes, serotonin levels fall, and we all experience the effect of it to a certain degree.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?

To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON please email info@medicina-uk.com.

I am often asked a question: “How can I make my own magnesium oil? What would be the ratio of water to the flakes?”

Here is what my supplier who is a scientist says:

“The flakes are 47% magnesium chloride, and about 50.5% water. A 33%
solution means that there will be 33% magnesium chloride.

So, 100 grams of flakes (which contain 50.5 grams of water) will need an
extra 42 grams of water. (1g of water equals 1ml of water)

The 47 grams of magnesium chloride will then be dissolved in 142 grams of
solution, giving the 33% strength that is required.

This can be scaled up to a convenient batch size – every kilogram of flakes
will require 420 grams of water to be added.”

Good luck with it!


WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE OIL?


To book a MAGNESIUM WRAP IN LONDON or TO BOOK THE TRAINING please email info@medicina-uk.com.