Magnesium Oil – Transdermal Magnesium

Posts Tagged ‘magnesium flake’

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.

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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 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.

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, which comes to us in the form of magnesium flake, oil and gel, is not the only salt which is known for its high level of magnesium. Even before we found out about its wonderful therapeutic effects on the body and mind, we had its great alternatives to turn to – magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt), and Dead Sea salt, as well as Dead Sea mud.


While Epsom salt has become known for its relaxing, pain and stress-reducing properties relatively recently, Dead Sea has been used by people and animals for thousands of years. It is possibly the most popular resort destination even now. People from all over the world come to Dead Sea to treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, musculo-skeletal, nervous disorders, with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis among them. A high level of magnesium in Dead Sea water is being used to treat circulatory problems, heart disease, abnormal blood pressure, anxiety, depression, fertility issues, and countless other conditions.


Even though the magic of the sea and the sun combined have an unsurpassed effect on the body and mind, luckily, we do not need to go to sometimes unaffordable to many Dead Sea resorts to alleviate our problems. Dead Sea products are easily available to all, and we can use them any time we need in in a bath, body wrap, compress, foot bath, or – as is the case with the mud – in a local mud application to affected areas, face mask, and yes – body wrap.


To make a relaxing and therapeutic bath with Dead Sea salt, use 500g-1kg of salt (depending on how intense you want your experience to be) in a warm to very warm water. Add some lavender oil to enhance its relaxing effect – 5-10 drops per bath. if your skin is quite dry, add some sweet almond or olive oil to the bath – 2 table spoonfuls would be sufficient. Shake the water well. Not only will it nourish the skin, it will also help condition the hair. To achieve tong-term therapeutic effect, it is important to have such baths regularly, at least once a week, with 2-3 times a week being the best option.


For a foot bath, use 200g of Dead Sea salt, adding some rosemary and peppermint to it if your feet are aching after a busy day. The water temperature should be adjusted to your needs. I prefer it cool after a hot day, and warm on a cold evening, with peppermint replaced for a warming and circulation-stimulating eucalyptus oil.


For a body wrap – use a 10% salt solution. It is easier with the mud, since Dead Sea mud is a ready-to-use product, so just needs warming up and applied on the body and the face. However, even with mud there are a lot of suggestions and options to try.


One of my suggestions is – make a purifying and revitalising Dead Sea scrub. Use fine Dead Sea salt and mud, in equal proportion, either as is, or with some of your favourite essential oils. Add some extra-virgin olive oil, or sweet almond oil. Mix well and apply on the body in circular movements. Scrub the body well. Wash off. The same scrub can be used as a face exfoliator. Make sure that the body and face are free from any infections and eruptions before using any scrubs.


A mix of Dead Sea Mud and Salt, without the essential oil and vegetable oil, can be used in body wraps. The addition of the salt to the mud will intensify the effect of the healing effect of both. Extra salt will also act as a circulation-booster, and will promote sweating – a great start to weight loss programmes. The use of the mud is not recommended for pregnant women, and people with tumours, heart disease and abnormal blood pressure. This is due to the high saturation of the mud with biologically active substances which while being exceptionally beneficial for a healthy person, can over-stimulate a vulnerable one – an undesirable effect in the cases I have mentioned earlier. Limit yourself to the use of the salt then.


For chronically blocked sinuses, use a 1% solution of Dead Sea salt and water, 2-3 times a day, to flush the sinuses (use a large pipette).


For the sore throat and gums, the concentration can be increased – use 1 tbsp (20g) per 200g of warm water. This makes a 10% solution. Rinse the mouth and throat as many times as necessary.


The same procedures as with Dead Sea salt can be used with Epsom salt. Epsom salt is also a great product for detoxification procedures – internally and transdermally. This is due not only to its high level of magnesium, but of sulphur, which is part of the sulphate compound. Sulphur is an essential building block for our body – proteins simply cannot be created without sulphur, so the body uses a lot of it. Sulphur is also a vital component in detoxification processes, binding phenols and other harmful substances, and this property is being used in detoxification procedures with Epsom salt.


I can describe one very effective procedure for internal detox which is being used in Russia:


Liver flush. Helps open the bile ducts and relax eliminatory channels. This is how it is done: 2 teaspoonfuls of Epsom salt are mixed in a cup (250ml) of warm water. The solution is taken warm in the morning, then a hot water bottle on the liver area (to make it warm and not hot a towel can be used to wrap it). The person lies in bed until there is an urge to empty the bowel. Normally done once a week. Lemon herbal tea with honey (milk thistle, camomile and calendula are a good choice) and drunk throughout the day complements the cleansing effect of the procedure.


It has been researched that Epsom salt has shown to have a profound therapeutic effect on children with such neurological conditions as ADHD and autism. Such research has shown that these children’s bodies are low in sulphate – on average 15% lower than normal, and high levels of toxins – heavy metals, phenols, food colourings and artificial flavourings, etc. So the obvious solution would be to raise the levels of sulphur and magnesium in the body, and reduce the amount of toxins. Epsom salt has the ability to do both, by supplementing the body both with magnesium and sulphur, to promote the removal of toxins and top up magnesium levels, which have been proved to be very low in children with ADHD and autism.


For the same reasons, Epsom salt would be beneficial to adults who suspect that they are suffering from a toxic overload and low levels of magnesium.


The best way to use Epsom salt is by having a bath with it. Use 500g of it per bath, 2-3 times a week, for a profound therapeutic effect.


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 have just received a newsletter from Dr Mark Sircus on one of the most important subjects of the day – how to survive the radioactive disaster which happened recently in Japan and the consequences of which have already been felt all over the globe. I am quoting the article here in full, since I believe it is so important that cutting it would mean omitting vital pieces of information.






“What does radiation do to us? It burns the cells, kind of like burning down a house. It is well known that radiation burns our cells by creating too much free radical damage. Now of course this is like talking Greek to medical officials and professors because if they knew this they would be on the bullhorn telling the public what to do to minimize free radical damage.


This is important information because just about everyone in the northern hemisphere, within a short period of time, will have to live with a gentle radioactive mist all around them and their children. We always have been surrounded by radiation but increasingly so in recent decades because of all the nuclear tests and accidents and use of nuclear materials in warfare (God forbid they are using depleted uranium weapons in Libya) and, of course, the wireless revolution.


But now comes our worst nuclear nightmare, an out-of-control nuclear station belching out plutonium and other very nasty nuclear materials. Imagine it as a mist for that is what it is. If you can conceive of Geiger counters around the world picking this up you know it’s raining nuclear particles just about everywhere. Within the space of only two weeks radiation is being reported in a huge area.


Okay, it’s only a light nuclear rain so far but who wants to go out even in a mild nuclear rain without a nuclear umbrella? But for those poor unfortunate souls who live and work within 50 miles of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, it’s a downpour, and perhaps ‘only’ a strong rain as far away as Tokyo. Now we understand why they tell people to stay indoors, the nuclear density (rain) in an area will only increase the longer the source continues to emit radioactive particles. Staying indoors only affords partial protection for the contamination seeps through in the air, water and food that we breathe and eventually eat and drink.


They can only say that this amount of initial radiation is safe because biological entities do have built in systems to handle very unsafe radioactive particles. Low levels of radiation speak about the quantity of nuclear materials, to their density, but not to the capacity of each nuclear particle to wreak havoc inside our cells by creating flurries of free radicals.


Free radicals are tremendously volatile molecules. When they are in the company of oxygen, they merge haphazardly with unsaturated fats to form peroxides. These peroxides cause grave, irreversible destruction to cells and the protective membrane linings that surround them. When escalating armies of free radicals overwhelm a person’s antioxidant defenses their health begins to burn down.


With the unfolding of the potential nuclear disaster in Japan, and the consequent potential for weather-carried radiation exposure in North America and the rest of the northern hemisphere, many people are asking what they can do to protect themselves from radiation damage. While most people are aware of the use of iodine supplementation to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine fallout, most of the actual damage from radiation is due to runaway oxidative stress and consequent DNA damage.


This oxidative damage is due to a combination of a high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the radiation exposure while the radiation simultaneously causes a depression of the natural antioxidant systems (mostly the glutathione system and superoxide dismutase).


Surviving nuclear toxicity is similar to the process of surviving heavy metals and chemical toxicity though the medical situation is worsened dramatically when even super low doses of high energy radiation enters the body. No one wants to be caught with even one particle of plutonium lodged in their lungs for there is no treatment that can guarantee it can reverse, stop, or even diminish the damage.


If you were to eat some plutonium-contaminated food you might have a chance of increasing the odds it will come out the other end if you were to partake of a naturopathic intestinal cleaning process that uses clay or some ingenious formulas that maximize the effect.


Once in the tissues it’s another level of cellular warfare that goes on between the radioactive particle, heavy metal or nasty toxic chemical molecules and our tissues and cells. Once any of these toxic insults penetrates into the cells themselves there is an array of defenses waiting to defend and protect. Obviously our cells need defenses in depth, meaning it’s one thing to protect the cell membranes and cytoplasm from oxidative damage and another thing to protect the nucleus and the DNA that resides there.


Unfortunately the rain is going to be around for a while though it will drop into the soil, our water and find its way quickly into our food supply. The radioactive half-lives, the time it takes for any particular type of radiation to lose half of its intensity, are [1]:


* Uranium 238: 4.5 billion years
* Uranium 235: 710 million years
* Plutonium 239: 24,100 years
* Strontium 90: 30 years
* Caesium 134: two years
* Caesium 137: 30 years (Caesium can be absorbed in food and water or inhaled as dust. It is easily taken up by plants and animals.)
* Ruthenium 103: 39 days; Ruthenium 106, about a year
* Iodine 131: 8 days


This suit is not the answer to radiation exposure though of course such a suit would come in handy if you actually had to work in a heavily exposed area. For life to remain relatively pleasant here on planet earth, we and our corrupted medical officials must become familiar with the entire system in the body that protects us from oxidative damage.


There is an antioxidant system that acts at the cellular level to protect sensitive cellular targets right down to the nuclear DNA level. It is not just the very popular enzyme glutathione but an array of enzymes and detoxification systems that work together to save our cells of oxidative stress when attacked by radiation, heavy metals and toxic chemicals.


Dr. Chris Shade writes, “While glutathione (GSH) is now the darling of the antioxidant world, few people are realizing that it is the “glutathione system” that is important and that it includes many enzymes (e.g. glutathione peroxidase or GPx, glutathione reductase or GR, glutathione S-transferase or GST, etc.) and a toxin transport system (i.e. the Phase III transporters MRP1 and MRP2 that move glutathione-toxin conjugates out of the body) to really work. And then beyond that there are enzymes that link the glutathione system with vitamin C, vitamin E, lipoic acid, CoQ10, and thioredoxin, creating an interconnected network of antioxidant, detoxification, and repair activity.”


It is important to be clear that cellular antioxidants, detoxification/chemoprotection reactions and protein repair processes are all part of one integrated system and we need to support the whole system, not just one part of it to be really effective in dealing with radiation exposure.


Contemporary medicine recognizes few therapies for radiation injuries. Good supportive care, of course, is recommended—lots of fluids, infusions of blood-clotting platelets, and infection-fighting antibiotics is thought to be the key for acute radiation syndrome, an overall poisoning that can begin causing symptoms days to weeks after high exposure.


To guard against longer-term harm caused by low dosages, iodine can protect against future thyroid cancer by shielding the thyroid from only one type of fallout, radioactive iodine.


Medical physicist David Brenner, director of Columbia’s Center for Radiological Research, thinks that, “Before you can start to treat people, you need to know what radiation doses they got. If you take a guess and get it wrong, you might do more harm than good.” This is of course more allopathic hogwash. We do not have to wait and depend on medical testing when we know that we are being subjected to increasing levels of low-level radiation.


Cells in the bone marrow and GI tract are extremely vulnerable to radiation so they need to be protected. “They overreact to what should be reparable damage and commit cellular suicide,” says Dr. Andrei Gudkov of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. So we must create detoxification pathways that will allow the body to remove radioactive particles as quickly as possible.


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says internal exposure to plutonium “is an extremely serious health hazard” as it stays in the body for decades, exposing organs and tissue to radiation and increasing the risk of cancer. Increasing the risk of cancer does not quite cover the seriousness of plutonium contamination. It is simply death squared.


So we have to come to a whole new understanding of all this in order to come to grips with what we have to do in the face of rising radiation levels coming from a nuclear plant that was under-designed to withstand the predictable tidal wave that came following an earthquake. Human ignorance coupled with arrogance ruled once again to create a nuclear disaster of immeasurable proportions, since we have no assurances that they will ever bring this nuclear site under control.


Fortunately for the average person learning exactly what to do is reasonably easy and even easier to put into action. Anyone can learn how to set up a nuclear field hospital in their home and start treating themselves and their loved ones effectively while doctors and their superiors sit it out helplessly with their own families.


The officials and established institutions of the world would rather go down with the ship than to admit their ignorance and refusal to learn anything new. Sorry for them, but we cannot wait for them to finally take the necessary steps to become aware. We live in a dangerous world of innumerous chemical types of toxins and incredible exposure to heavy metals, especially mercury, and now to increasing radiation.


To get a bird’s eye view of the hurricanes of toxicity we face on the parts per billion and million level it is helpful to know that air pollution in major cities is seen as being just as dangerous to health as the radiation exposure suffered by survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. A 2007 study suggests high levels of urban air pollution cut short life expectancy more than the radiation exposure of emergency workers who were sent into the 19-mile exclusion zone around Chernobyl straight after the accident.


This means we do not have to be given any special permission to start treating ourselves, especially if we live in an urban center. In the world that is quickly arriving, only the intelligent and adaptable will survive. The ignorant and the stubborn and the human ostriches with their heads in the sand will perish and there is nothing we can do about that just like there is almost nothing they will be able to do to bring this nuclear nightmare under control.


Survival Medicine for the 21st Century, which I published four years ago, is in part a textbook in toxicology of low-level chronic exposure. There is so much necessary information to incorporate to get a full medical picture of the situation that we all jointly face. I intend to pull from this compendium of mine all the pertinent information and put it out in this urgent book Radiation Toxicity Syndrome that zooms in on the rising radioactive threat to our heath. We will put Radiation Toxicity Syndrome out at a greatly reduced price to facilitate wide distribution.


Four years ago Dr. Garry Gordon was talking about the existing situation about toxic metals and many of the common chemical exposures. “There’s no place to escape. Every leaf, every blade of grass is now provably coated with particulate matter, which comes from the burning of things like coal, and is carried on the air. So, the oceans are loaded with mercury. There’s nothing you can eat that doesn’t have these things.”


Special Note: Just about everyone who is writing about protocols for radiation toxicity is forgetting about the importance of magnesium salts. Magnesium is a crucial factor in the natural self-cleansing and detoxification responses of the body. It stimulates the sodium potassium pump on the cell wall and this initiates the cleansing process in part because the sodium-potassium-ATPase pump regulates intracellular and extracellular potassium levels. Cell membranes contain a sodium/potassium ATPase, a protein that uses the energy of ATP to pump sodium ions out of the cell, and potassium ions into the cell. The pump works all of the time, like a bilge pump in a leaky boat, pumping K+ and Na+ in and out, respectively. This is of course just the tip of the iceberg and I will write a full explanation and instructions for use in the next few days. Meanwhile load up on magnesium oil, magnesium bath flakes, Dead Sea salt and Epsom Salts“.


Dr. Mark Allan Sircus, Ac., OMD, DM (P)

http://publications.imva.info

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ZEOLITE, CLAYS & HEAVY METAL DETOX


I would like to add to the article that zeolite clinoptilolite powder (not liquid zeolite) was used with great results in the Chernobyl disaster – both given to people in specially made galettes, as well as in the powder form, mixed with water. Zeolite and clays are not only wonderful sorbents, but bind heavy metals through the cation exchange mechanism which is one of their main properties making these substances so important in heavy metal detoxification. They work both through the skin (in a bath, foot bath, compress, or wrap for example), and even better when taken internally, since as Dr Sircus mentions, the gastro-intestinal tract is one of the first victims of radioactive damage to the body.


Galina St George, author of the blog
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WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS, CLAY, ZEOLITE for heavy metal detox?


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

Most of us suffer form an energy slump in winter. Much of it is due to our biological cycles and adaptation mechanisms. The body has to ensure our survival in the cold winter weather – so it acts to protect us by slowing down metabolism, piling up energy reserves (most of us put on weight in winter) and making sure they are not expended unnecessarily. A lot of complex changes happen in all the body systems to prepare us for winter.

This undoubtedly has a profound psychological effect on us. While a large majority people cope reasonably well with it, there is a fair percentage of those who suffer from what is called ‘winter blues’ or in medical terms – ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD).

Symptoms of SAD may include of difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms may include a lack of energy, getting easily exhausted, headaches, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from social activities, friends, family. All of this leads to the depression, pessimistic thoughts, feelings of hopelessness and lack of joy. Quite familiar picture for many, and this is why so many people dread winter months.

Common treatments include antidepressants, cognitive behaviour therapy, light therapy, melatonin supplementation, etc.

However, many people are completely unaware of how big a role magnesium plays in the management of SAD/ depression. Not only does it help to boost our energy levels, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost circulation and metabolism, it is also a main component in the production of naturally occurring hormones – serotonin and melatonin – which play a vital role in the management of SAD, since deficiency in both lead to sleep disturbances and depression.

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.

Traditional medical treatment with antidepressants (Prozac, Seroxat, etc) is aimed at boosting the levels of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which elevates the level of serotonin artificially. This means that instead of going through a natural process of elimination, serotonin stays in the brain for longer, and this is what produces the antidepressant effect. However, once the treatment stops the body goes back to the original serotonin deficiency mode, and the cycle starts again.

Most antidepressants have side-effects, such as weight gain, reduced sex drive, anxiety, headaches, nausea, digestive problems. Manufacturers make people aware of these of course. Other people live in a one-dimensional mode emotionally – experiencing neither emotional highs nor lows.

While some people may have an absolute need for them, others can manage their symptoms naturally – by taking oral magnesium , spraying magnesium on the body, taking magnesium baths, as well as supplementing with vitamin B-complex, calcium, selenium zinc. Other natural remedies which have proved to work are St John’s Wort and 5-HTP. Both are available at most pharmacies.

For sleep disturbances warm 30-40 minute magnesium baths before bed time are difficult to beat. Use 500g of magnesium flake per a bathful of warm water. Such baths can be taken every night, or every other night. If you experience skin dryness – use a moisturiser after a magnesium bath.

A quick way to replenish magnesium levels, boost metabolism, reduce fatigue, water retention, bood circulation, relax and regain the feel-good factor is by having a magnesium wrap. Read more about Magnesium Wraps.

Disclaimer: All the information in this post and on this website is for information only and should not be used as advice of a medical or any other nature. Please always consult your doctor if you are unwell, are on medication or suffering from any medical conditions.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?

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

Galina St George, www.naturalrussia.com

Magnesium plays a vital role in our lives. It is an irreplaceable component in the production of energy from ATP – the molecule which provides energy for all body processes and movements. If magnesium is depleted there is not enough of it for energy production which means that metabolic processes do not get sufficient energy, so general metabolism slows down resulting in energy slumps. Even though magnesium is the most powerful relaxant, without it the energy production is impossible. An increase in magnesium levels in the body results in an increase in general energy and performance.

Another important function of magnesium is connected with its interaction with calcium in the body. Calcium ensures muscle contraction, and excessive amount of calcium leads to muscle spasms, cramps, muscle tension, tightness in the joints. If calcium ensures contraction and strength of the muscle then the role of magnesium is to relax all body tissues, including muscles, nerves, the brain, heart, blood vessels, etc. Needless to say that insufficient magnesium results in all-round rigidity and stress. If there is too much calcium circulating in the body it binds with fat in the blood with the potential to form atheromas leading to narrowing of blood vessels, increase in the blood pressure and a danger of them breaking away and blocking the arteries. Lack of sufficient magnesium reduces elasticity of the blood vessels resulting in arteriosclerosis, which is also a contributing factor towards high blood pressure.

Athletes are especially prone to magnesium losses and resulting deficiency which can lead to a reduced performance, muscle rigidity, tetany, cramps, decreased endurance, general weakness, as well as an array of cardio-vascular problems such as an increase in blood pressure, arrhythmia and rigidity of the blood vessels.

While short high intensity exercise leads to an increase of magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia), due to a shift of magnesium from the cells into plasma as a result of acidosis and a general decrease of plasma levels, prolonged exercise leads to depletion of plasma magnesium (hypomagnesemia).

A few reasons for magnesium losses during prolonged sports activities have been suggested.

1. Lipolysis (fat metabolism). Fatty acids are mobilised for energy production during exercise which leads to magnesium deficiency.

2. General physical and psychological stress on all body systems during prolonged exercise.

3. Loss of magnesium through sweating – this normally happens in humid hot conditions.

4. Loss of magnesium in urine during intensive short-term exercise activities.

Magnesium losses are especially substantial during periods of training for sporting events.

“Several studies indicate that there is a sustained fall in plasma Mg concentration after strenuous exercise and that hypomagnesaemia either persists or worsens during a season of training 21,46,47,48, a sound reason for looking more carefully at the Mg intake of athletes. A recent longitudinal study of a group of medium-distance runners carried out over a training season also demonstrated plasma Mg reductions during the competition period, although there were no variations in erythrocyte Mg. Since both their energy intake and their work load remained more or less constant during the study, a relationship can be established between plasma Mg changes and the stress of the competition period 4″ (Y. Rayssiguier1, C. Y. Guezennec2, and J. Durlach3, New experimental and clinical data on the relationship between magnesium and sport, http://www.mgwater.com/dur18.shtml)

Magnesium deficiency may play a role in sudden death syndrome in sports people resulting from a cardiac arrest (heart attack). As we have established earlier, a fall in magnesium levels in sports people can lead to an increase in cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and rigidity of blood vessels which in turn results in an increase in blood pressure and may in some cases explain sudden death in atheltes.

All this brings us to a conclusion that it is extremely important to replenish magnesium levels in athletes, especially during prolonged sporting activities and competitions, to prevent a slump in energy levels, general fatigue, reduction in performance, muscle tension, aches and pains and speed up recovery.

How can magnesium levels be replenished?

1. Diet – magnesium-rich foods include whole grains, soya products, nuts and seeds, legumes, fruit and vegetables, milk, eggs, sea foods, etc.

2. Oral supplementation. Dr M. Seelig who is an internationally recognised expert in magnesium studies, recommends supplementation of 6-10mg per 1kg of body weight per day. There are a lot of good sources of oral magnesium, such as magnesium orotate, magnesium citrate, etc.

3. Intravenously – injections. A very effective method, but is used in clinics in cases of severe magnesium deficiencies where it is important to raise levels of magnesium quickly.

4. Transdermal supplementation - a quick, efficient and very practical way to replenish magnesium levels which can be used by everyone. A problem with oral supplementation is that large doses of magnesium can cause diarrhoea which leads to magnesium excretion from the body. Also, not everyone’s digestive system is efficient and can absorb sufficient doses of magnesium. Transdermal methods of supplementation (spraying or rubbing magnesium on the body, magnesium massage, bath, foot bath) on the other hand ensure that the digestive system is bypassed and magnesium gets into the body via the skin thanks to its very important function to absorb.

Transdermal supplementation can be achieved by applying magnesium oil on the body by hand (e.g. a massage), or using it in a bath or foot bath. While magnesium oil is great when used in a spray or applied by hand, for a bath or foot baths magnesium chloride flake is the most economical product. Zechstein magnesium flake is one of the best magnesium products around.

Magnesium oil applications:

• Apply by hand all over the body
• Magnesium oil is a great massage medium, and magnesium massage is one of the most luxurious and relaxing treatments.
• Spray on the body after a bath or a shower, before going to bed. You will need a spray bottle for this.
• Mix with hot water, use in a compress on a tight muscle or painful joint. Do not use heat on areas of acute inflammation and immediate injuries.

Magnesium flake applications

• Use 2 handfuls in a very warm foot bath.
• Use at least 300-500g of magnesium flake per bath. The more magnesium in the bath the more effective its absorption will be.

Note: Some people suffer from skin sensitivity, and magnesium baths (as well as other applications) can result in the skin becoming dry and itchy. In such cases adjust the strength of magnesium solution applied on the skin directly, and use a natural moisturiser to soften and hydrate the skin after a bath.

WHERE CAN I BUY MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS?

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