The 7 Top Magnesium Bath Benefits You Need to Know

What is Magnesium and What Does it Do for the Body?

Magnesium is an essential mineral and the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Essential minerals are called "essential" because they're necessary for important bodily functions to work properly. 

Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions. For example:

• It supports the healthy functioning of your muscles and nervous system.
• It helps to maintain a regular heart rhythm and healthy blood vessels.
• It boosts your immune system and helps prevent illnesses caused by inflammation in the body.
• It supports your metabolism, energy levels and mental health.
• It promotes healthy kidney functioning, which allows your body to detoxify effectively.
• It plays an important role in bone health by supporting vitamin D and calcium synthesis.

The Silent Dangers of a Magnesium Deficiency

A magnesium deficiency can sneak up on you and, unfortunately, you’re probably not getting enough through your diet.

Studies show that 75% of Americans aren’t meeting their daily magnesium intake requirements. The rest of the developed world probably isn’t doing much better.

Why? Well, it’s hard to get magnesium through diet alone unless you eat a lot of seeds and nuts. But there’s a catch 22: these foods are also often high in fat, so that makes it difficult to get enough of their valuable magnesium.

Although severe magnesium deficiencies are rare, symptoms that you’re lacking this vital nutrient may include:

• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Seizures and convulsions
• Apathy or feeling numb
• Nerve dysfunction
• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Asthma
• Heart palpitations or an irregular beat

7 Magnesium Bath Benefits for Better Health

Unlike a lot of other nutrients, magnesium can easily be absorbed through the skin. That's why a magnesium bath can be a huge help in getting enough magnesium into your body.

Adding a magnesium bath to your nightly routine is a great way to decompress at the end of the day – in more ways than one. Meeting your daily magnesium intake requirements with a relaxing bath comes with many benefits, such as:

1. Reduced stress levels

Magnesium baths help reduce stress by calming the nervous system. They may also lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Soaking in warm magnesium-rich water can alleviate anxiety, promote calm, and improve overall mood.

2. Relief from muscle pain, tension, and cramps

Magnesium absorbed through the skin can provide relief from muscle tension while promoting better muscle and nerve function. If you regularly experience sore muscles or muscle cramps, a soothing magnesium bath can work wonders.

3. Skin detoxification – glowing skin!

Magnesium encourages the skin to release waste products, while the warm water opens pores for deeper cleansing. This detoxifying process can help improve skin clarity, reduce puffiness, and promote a brighter and healthier complexion.

4. Constipation relief and healthy digestion

Magnesium is known to have a natural laxative effect when absorbed through the skin, helping to relax the muscles of the digestive tract. This can promote regular healthy bowel movements while relieving symptoms like bloating and poor digestion.

5. A healthy heart

Magnesium supports heart health thanks to its role in regulating heart rhythm and blood pressure. Having enough magnesium in your body reduces the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as it helps relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

6. Reduced inflammation

Magnesium can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to the development of chronic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes. Soaking in a magnesium bath absorbs magnesium's natural anti-inflammatory properties into the body.

7. Improved sleep quality

Last but not least, magnesium helps regulate GABA and other neurotransmitters involved in the sleep cycle. If you struggle with falling asleep, then soaking in a magnesium bath could be just what you need to get a good night's rest.

Other Ways of Increasing Magnesium Intake

What if you don't have time for a daily bath, or your home doesn't have a bathtub? Applying a topical magnesium lotion or taking oral supplements are other effective methods you can use to get more magnesium into your body.

The Difference Between Magnesium Flakes vs. Epsom Salt

Many people might not realize that magnesium salts (flakes) and Epsom salts are very similar but slightly different – but which is right for you?

Although they’re similar, magnesium flakes and Epsom salts are different things and each affects your body in unique ways.

• Magnesium Chloride: Otherwise known as magnesium flakes. If you look for a magnesium supplement, you’ll find magnesium chloride inside it. Using this substance in your bath will likely produce a more intense effect because it’s easier for the body to absorb and use in all the right ways. Just don’t eat it.
• Magnesium Sulphate: This is what you know as Epsom salts. Epsom salt baths are a little different than magnesium flake baths, in that magnesium absorption may not happen quite as rapidly and efficiently. Unlike magnesium chloride, however, taking Epsom salt orally for constipation and other issues is safe when the product is of food-grade quality.

How to Take a Magnesium Bath

1. Run the Bath

Start by filling your bathtub with warm (not hot) water. Aim for a comfortable water temperature, not a scalding one, to avoid skin irritation and dehydration.

2. Add Magnesium Salts

As the water runs, pour in 2 cups of magnesium flakes or Epsom salts. Stir the salts around with your hand to completely dissolve them.

3. Optional: Add Essential Oils

For a calming, therapeutic experience, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. These can help enhance relaxation and reduce stress.

4. Soak and Relax

Once the bath is ready, step in and relax! Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the magnesium.

6. Rinse Off and Dry

After your magnesium bath, you might like to rinse off with a quick shower afterward to remove any salt residue, though this is optional. Use a soft towel to pat your skin dry.

7. Hydrate

Lastly, be sure to drink plenty of water. The magnesium will begin to work its way into your muscles and bloodstream, so you should stay well hydrated to help flush out any toxins that may be released during the process.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your first magnesium bath – just add some essential oils and let the stress melt away. Explore our Essential Oil Blends to find the right one for you!