Magnesium lotion benefits go far beyond just soothing sore muscles! Magnesium is considered to be the master mineral. And for good reason!

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Magnesium lotion benefits go far beyond just soothing sore muscles! Magnesium is considered to be the master mineral. And for good reason! Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, affecting heart function, muscle recovery, energy production, sleep, and more. But did you know that magnesium is also imperative to a strong, healthy gut?

If you’ve struggled with poor absorption from oral supplements or are looking for a more targeted way to replenish your magnesium levels, magnesium lotion is a great solution to consider. 

WHAT IS MAGNESIUM LOTION?

Magnesium supplementation comes in many forms. However, magnesium lotion is more bioavailable for the body than other alternatives. Magnesium lotion is transdermal magnesium, which enters the body through the skin and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Topical magnesium in the form of lotion is an effective and safe way to increase your magnesium stores in the body. Also, using a topical approach, magnesium lotion bypasses the digestive system, avoiding any possibility of digestive upset or gastrointestinal side effects.

MAGNESIUM LOTION BENEFITS 

The benefits of magnesium can affect the whole body from head to toe. Including a topical form of magnesium can help support sleep, reduce stress, calm inflammation, and even improve skin health. Topical magnesium has impressive effects on areas such as:

Energy Production: Magnesium binds with ATP to fuel many cellular processes.

Muscle Function: Magnesium supplementation aids your muscles in recovery and can help prevent cramps by promoting relaxation. 

Heart Function: Magnesium impacts blood pressure and heartbeat, helping to regulate both functions. 

Nervous System Balance: Magnesium can support and reduce stress. It regulates neurotransmitters that impact mood and brain function. Magnesium can also have a relaxing and calming effect on the body. 

Blood Sugar Regulation: Magnesium supports insulin regulation, which impacts the balance of blood sugar levels.

Sleep Quality: Studies show that magnesium can improve sleep quality and reduce the presence of insomnia. 

MAGNESIUM LOTION BENEFITS FOR GUT HEALTH

One of the most significant ways magnesium impacts the body is through its effects on the gut. Some of the most noticeable benefits of magnesium on the gut include:

Healthy Bowel Movements: Magnesium supports and regulates bowel movements, which prevents constipation and diarrhea.

Microbiome Balance: Magnesium creates a strong and balanced gut microbiota by increasing the presence of healthy gut bacteria.

Anti-Inflammatory: Magnesium reduces inflammation within the gut.

Enzyme Production: Magnesium supports the production of enzymes that break down food and absorb nutrients, helping prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Needless to say, topical magnesium can be a key player in supporting a healthy microbiome! As with all supplements, ask your practitioner if magnesium can help improve your gut health and if it is right for you.

WHAT CAUSES MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY?

Unfortunately, many adult Americans experience magnesium deficiency. This is likely due to chronic stress levels, which quickly deplete magnesium stores. 

Additionally, the Standard American Diet (SAD), which is primarily made of processed foods and naturally lacks whole food nutrients, contributes to nutrient deficiencies, including magnesium.

In the case of Leaky Gut or other gut dysfunctions, significant gaps in the gut lining allow nutrients, including magnesium, to escape the gut. Many chronic gut dysfunctions are closely connected to high inflammation levels, which can deplete magnesium levels. When the gut isn’t functioning as it should, cellular magnesium levels decrease, often resulting in magnesium deficiency. 

If you suspect you are deficient in magnesium, it’s always best to test, not guess. Functional testing can accurately identify magnesium levels and if a deficiency is present. Magnesium is one of the many functional tests I recommend checking annually. To see a list of the most critical blood chemistry lab panels I recommend repeating every year, download my Custom Wellness Panel Checklist. 

MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS VS. TOPICAL MAGNESIUM

Magnesium supplementation comes in many shapes and forms, including:

• Capsule
• Powder
• Topical (lotion or spray)

For the sake of this article, we will focus on the benefits of topical magnesium. This article takes a deep dive into the many forms of magnesium supplementation and the particular ways to take it to support health goals. 

One of my top magnesium choices is transdermal magnesium, also known as topical magnesium. Not only is topical magnesium affordable, effective, and convenient, but it is also more bioavailable to the body. In other words, it is easier for the body to absorb and utilize. 

3 TYPES OF TOPICAL MAGNESIUM

I highly recommend three types of topical magnesium: Epsom salt, magnesium oil, and magnesium lotion. Here is what you should know about each option.

Epsom Salt Benefits  

Epsom salt is naturally high in magnesium. It is most commonly used as an addition to baths, as it dissolves in warm water. It is known for aiding in muscle recovery and relaxation, resetting the vagus nerve, reducing stress, and reducing inflammation. 

Magnesium Oil Benefits 

Magnesium oil is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin, similar to lotion. When applied topically, magnesium oil is a practical approach to reducing arthritic and joint pain. 

Magnesium Lotion Benefits 

Magnesium lotion, also applied topically, usually contains magnesium chloride. It is known for calming the nervous system and strengthening the gut microbiome. It is my personal favorite for gut health!

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TOPICAL MAGNESIUM?

Frankly, almost everyone can benefit from topical magnesium. However, I always recommend talking with your healthcare practitioner first before beginning any new supplement, including topical magnesium.

Topical magnesium can support individuals with gut dysfunction, sleep issues, and pain/inflammation. It’s been shown to improve the following symptoms: 

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Joint pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress
• Muscle cramps
• Preeclampsia 
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Inflammation 

Fortunately, magnesium’s side effects are minimal. The most common side effect is digestive upset and/or diarrhea when too much magnesium is used. If this is experienced, try lowering your dosage. 

MY FAVORITE MAGNESIUM LOTION 

My all-time favorite and most recommended magnesium lotion is The Goodnight Lotion by Earthley. It is only made from high-quality, nontoxic ingredients, including magnesium chloride, apricot oil, mango butter, and more. It is free from artificial colors, fillers, flavors (natural or artificial), preservatives, added sugar, heavy metals, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and more.

I trust the Earthley brand because it is transparent about its products. The Goodnight Lotion is third-party tested for heavy metals, so you can trust it only contains only good stuff. 

I recommend using it on your stomach or thighs before bed every night to reap the most benefits!! 

HOW TO USE MAGNESIUM LOTION FOR GUT HEALTH

As we know, magnesium is the master mineral and has lasting impacts on gut health. Just a few ways you can use magnesium lotion for your gut health include the following:

Constipation Relief

Magnesium helps regulate bowel movements and can be a practical approach to support constipation, especially if you suffer from Traveler’s Constipation. Additionally, magnesium deficiency is closely connected to chronic constipation.

Rub a small amount (start with pea-sized) on your lower abdomen to address constipation, but feel free to use more if needed. 

For a child, massage up the right side, across the abdomen, and down the left side. This is the flow of the large intestines, so it encourages the bowels to move along.

Sleep

Magnesium may just be the key to a good night’s sleep. It reduces the presence of insomnia while helping you fall asleep faster. Did you know that quality sleep also improves the health of your gut? 

Rub about 1 tsp onto your belly or legs approximately 15 minutes before sleep. Use the amount that meets your needs. There is approximately 100 mg of magnesium per tsp. You may need to titrate up based on unique needs to help with sleep. 

I even use a pea-sized amount on my kiddos to support their sleep. When my son was experiencing his 6-month sleep regression, I found that rubbing a tiny amount on his feet helped him!

Stress Relief 

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, naturally reducing stress levels and protecting the gut barrier from the impact of chronic stress.

Rub a pea-sized amount of lotion on your stomach or thighs during times of excess stress. You can also add a high-quality lavender essential oil to help increase feelings of relaxation. 

Drainage & Detox

Magnesium aids the body’s drainage and detoxification system. It supports drainage by regulating bowel movements, which we now know. However, it also helps the body remove excess heavy metals and other toxins. Adequate drainage is the first step to achieving a healthy, strong gut. 

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

Magnesium plays an integral role in the body from head to toe. Ensuring adequate magnesium levels is a critical and essential first step for those looking to support their overall wellness, especially their gut health.

There are many different forms of magnesium. Using a magnesium lotion or transdermal magnesium may improve its absorption and bioavailability. 

Your gut is the foundation of your energy, mood, digestion, and immune system—and when it’s out of balance, everything else feels off. My Microbiome Makeover program is for women ready to stop guessing and start thriving with a personalized, data-driven approach to gut health. Apply here to work with me (Nikki Yelton–Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Gut Health Specialist), and let’s get started! 

If you currently use magnesium lotion, I would love to know how it has supported your health! Let me know in the comments below! 

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