I remember reading that a majority of the population in the United States is magnesium deficient and is even considered a "silent epidemic" because it goes undetected. Soil contamination is a contributing factor and NCBI reports that the importance of mineral content of soil and water has "all but been forgotten." The NCBI also states that rather than treating chronic disease we should be fixing the causes like magnesium deficiency: it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease; costs nations an incalculable amount of healthcare costs and suffering; and should be considered a public health crisis.
As always, there are different qualities of magnesium. The NIH states that magnesium chloride is absorbed more completely and is more bioavailable than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate.
For body and foot soaks from ultra pure magnesium source. For 250 million years Genuine Zechstein magnesium salt has been protected at 1600 - 2000 meters deep in the interior of the earth, as part of the Ancient Zechstein Seabed in Europe, kept pure and untouched, offering a highly effective, yet calming means of absorbing magnesium.
Directions for use: Dissolve 1-3 cups into a warm footbath or full tub bath, and soak for 20 minutes or longer. (Dissolve up to 8 lbs of magnesium flakes in a full tub bath for intense applications). Temperature of the water should be warm, but not hot. Hot water causes the skin to eliminate rather than absorb.
Approx. 15g magnesium per cup. To get the most of the magnesium products, apply liberally to clean skin.
FROM THE CHICAGO TIMES:
At the end of a hectic day, soaking in a warm bath is a great way to unwind -- but if you want the most calming bathing experience, you'll definitely want to add magnesium bath salts to the tub. Not only can they help you relax, but they also soothe sore muscles and help you get a better night's sleep. You can choose between salts that feature magnesium sulfate and those that contain magnesium chloride, though, so it's important to know the difference if you want to understand what sort of benefits you can expect.
Fortunately, our buying guide has all the tips you need to find the best magnesium bath salts for your next bath. We've also shared a few specific product recommendations, like our top pick from ANCIENT MINERALS which features magnesium chloride flakes and can help with stress relief, headaches, joint pain, cramps, and other health issues.
Magnesium bath salts are available in two types: magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride.
Magnesium sulfate is also known as Epsom salts and is probably the most widely known type of magnesium bath salts. It has a wide variety of health benefits, including promoting healthy sleep, reducing stress, soothing muscles after exercise, and reducing pain and swelling. It's even approved by the FDA for safe consumption and can help relieve constipation when taken orally.
Magnesium chloride is more readily absorbed by the body because of its chemical composition. That's why some people believe that it's more effective in treating ailments like sore muscles, inflammation, poor circulation, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It's more expensive than magnesium sulfate bath salts, but you usually don't need to use as much in your bath.
Q. What are the benefits of magnesium bath salts?
A. In addition to helping you relax and destress, magnesium bath salts can help soothe sore muscles, encourage better sleep, reduce pain and inflammation, and treat eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Q. How much magnesium bath salts should I use for a bath?
A. For a full tub, you usually need 2 to 4 cups of bath salts. Some salts may recommend a different amount, though, so it's always best to consult the manufacturer's instructions for the proper amount.
Magnesium bath salts we recommend
Best of the best: Ancient Minerals' Magnesium Bath Flakes, 8 pounds
Our take: Made of easily absorbed magnesium chloride flakes that are sourced from the Zechstein Seabed in the Netherlands for higher quality.
What we like: Salts absorb quickly into the skin and come from an excellent source. Offer a wide range of health benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, muscle and joint pain relief, and headache treatment. Works well for both full baths and foot soaks.
What we dislike: Don't dissolve as easily in hard water.
Choice 3: Epsoak's Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate USP), 19 pounds
Our take: High-quality pure magnesium sulfate crystals that dissolve readily in water and offer a variety of health benefits.
What we like: Features top-grade pure magnesium sulfate crystals that are small enough to dissolve quickly. Helps detoxify and deep clean the pores, but also treats muscle pain. Manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee.
What we dislike: Comes in a large bag that's difficult to store and move.
Jennifer Blair is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.
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