Magnesium is a mineral with a multitude of benefits, from improving sleep, calming the nervous system and producing energy, to alleviating bloating, reducing menstrual cramps and assisting with muscle recovery.
Although it exists naturally in our bodies, many of us can benefit from increasing our magnesium intake – whether that’s by consuming magnesium-rich foods or supplements, or using topical magnesium products.
magnesium in muscle recovery
Magnesium plays an essential and varied role when it comes to nourishing our muscles, especially for those of us who lead active lives.
basic functions of magnesium
One of magnesium’s many jobs is to help the enzymes in our bodies carry out their functions. Magnesium is responsible for relaxing the muscles, reducing muscle fatigue and building protein, among other functions. If you’re noticing muscle cramps, they can be a symptom of low magnesium.
why is magnesium important for an active lifestyle?
Magnesium is involved in transforming amino acids into new proteins, which is helpful for muscle recovery.
We also tend to become more depleted in minerals if we exercise regularly, so proactively topping up minerals like magnesium can be helpful.
how magnesium supports muscle recovery
After we work out, magnesium assists our muscles in moving from a contracted to a relaxed state. It also reduces muscle soreness and delayed-onset muscle soreness following exercise, thereby reducing our recovery time.
incorporating magnesium into your life
The good news is that magnesium comes in a variety of sources and is easy to find – and that incorporating magnesium into your life is straightforward and often enjoyable.
topical magnesium
Magnesium has been used topically for hundreds of years – and researchers at the University of Queensland were able to demonstrate that magnesium is absorbed through the skin via our hair follicles¹.
The Magnesium Mist is a 100% naturally-derived topical magnesium spray designed to be used for post-exercise massage. After showering, spray the mist over the body and perform a relaxing self-massage on areas of muscular tension. Or spray the mist onto the soles of your feet before bedtime for a more restful night’s sleep.
Enhance this post-workout relaxation ritual with the Mint & Macadamia Recovery Bath. Infused with arnica (a healing herb that eases weary muscles and reduces bruising) and refreshing peppermint oil as well as magnesium, this soak helps dissolve tension. You can also add these to a foot bath as your body can absorb the magnesium benefits through your feet. Simply add the soak and relax for 20 minutes.
dietary sources of magnesium
You can inch your way closer to your daily recommended intake of magnesium by consuming leafy greens, nuts (especially Brazil nuts, cashews and almonds), legumes, soy products (such as tofu and tempeh), seeds (pumpkin seeds are one of the most magnesium-dense foods available), whole grains (think buckwheat, oats and barley), fatty fish, bananas, dark chocolate or cacao.
Many of these foods are high in fibre and other essential nutrients that will boost your overall wellbeing.
broader health benefits of magnesium
Magnesium has plenty to offer when it comes to general health and wellbeing. It’s essential for mood regulation and plays an important role in balancing blood sugar levels, improving heart health, reducing inflammation, staving off migraines, moderating PMS symptoms, promoting bone health and encouraging sleep.
skin health
Thanks to its soothing effect on the skin, magnesium has been a key ingredient in products that treat conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis for centuries.
While magnesium works wonders for our internal systems, it also enhances skin health by encouraging our cells to repair and regenerate and improving our skin’s barrier function.
The Natural Deodorant contains magnesium because of its power in eliminating odour-causing bacteria and because it is gentle on sensitive skin. It also boasts the refreshing scents of Tasmania Peppermint, Australian Pepper and Cedarwood.
stress relief
For anyone trying to reduce stress, magnesium can be worked into a nurturing daily routine with the Magnesium Mist spray. Try spraying the mist onto clean, dry skin before getting dressed in the morning.
Meanwhile, the Mint & Macadamia Recovery Bath makes a deeply restorative addition to your bathing experience. Add two heaped teaspoons of the specially formulated salt mixture to a bath once or twice a week.
One of the best things about magnesium is that it can be easily incorporated as part of our daily rituals. Introduce this powerful mineral in a way that feels intuitive for you and notice how you feel.
¹Chandrasekaran, Navin Chandrakanth, Sanchez, Washington Y., Mohammed, Yousuf H., Grice, Jeffrey E., Roberts, Michael S., and Barnard, Ross T. (2016). Permeation of topically applied magnesium ions through human skin is facilitated by hair follicles. Magnesium Research 29 (2) 35-42.
