Magnesium salts Vs Epsom salts

The benefits of a magnesium enriched bath are becoming more well known as the general population is becoming aware of the importance of magnesium and the ability of the body to absorb the precious mineral. When considering a magnesium bath, consumers have two options - magnesium flakes or  epsom salt. While both options contain magnesium as one of their core properties, their chemical make ups are different and they will act in different ways. While both can be colloquially referred to as bath salts, neither are strictly a salt - although the term magnesium salt has been applied to both.

Magnesium flakes or Epsom salt - Which is Better

Both magnesium bath salts can help you to relax and rejuvenate while soaking in the bath. They also are both easily soluble in water and have magnesium as one of their core compounds. However, their chemical makeup differs and this has an impact on how quickly magnesium is absorbed into the body.

Magnesium bath flakes are in actual fact magnesium chloride while Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. This difference in chemical structure means that magnesium flakes when dissolved in water are more easily absorbed into the body making them a better option for bathing, or foot soaking. So, in terms of effectiveness, magnesium flakes are the better option for you.

Magnesium Flakes Health Benefits

When dissolved in water  magnesium bath flakes become what could be described as a magnesium oil which is easily absorbed by the skin. The benefits of magnesium oil made from magnesium flakes include:

• Relieving stress. Sufferers of stress related conditions including anxiety and expression are often found to be suffering from levels of low magnesium. Magnesium acts as a balancing agent to calcium which helps muscles to contract. When there is insufficient magnesium in the body,there is a danger that calcium deposits will build up in muscles, making it harder for muscles to relax. Taking magnesium supplements can help to increase magnesium levels, reduce stress and fatigue.
• Help to increase bone density. As well as acting as a balancing agent to calcium, magnesium helps to produce vitamin D which is the vitamin that helps the body to produce calcium naturally.
• Reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been shown to have a link to low magnesium levels. CRP (C-reactive protein) is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body and studies have consistently shown that CRP markers are very high amongst people with a low magnesium level intake.
• Improved heart health and better blood circulation. Much of the body’s supply of magnesium is stored in the heart’s left ventricle. Magnesium works in a type of complementary way with calcium to regulate blood pressure and control hypertension. Magnesium also helps to prevent clots as well as creating the electoral electrical impulses around the heart. Proper levels of magnesium can help regulate the heartbeat. Magnesium deficiencies can contribute to arrhythmia.Not enough magnesium can lead to the blood vessels around the heart to constrict which can lead to such conditions as high blood pressure, angina and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Soothe skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne and dermatitis by raising the levels of fatty acids and collagen. This will help to keep your skin soft and supple and relatively wrinkle free. Magnesium also works to protect the skin from external damage.
• Can relieve joint stiffness and pain caused by such conditions as arthritis.
• Relief of aching and sore muscles. Magnesium chloride baths are renowned for their relaxant properties. As the skin directly absorbs the magnesium oil, it can effectively act to relax muscles. Taking a luxurious soak in a magnesium chloride bath is a great way to get relief for those aching muscles and tired joints
• Relieves migraines and headaches. As magnesium acts as a relaxant. The correct levels of magnesium will help to relieve muscle tension around the head, neck and shoulders. Tension in these areas is known to contribute to migraines and severe headaches.
• Can help to stabilise cell membranes in nerve cells which can lead to preventing seizures.
• Can help to improve sporting performance. If athletes have magnesium deficiencies, increased magnesium levels will help recycling ATP which needs to be refreshed during exercise.
• Magnesium also performs a vital function in producing serotonin - which is a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate mood. Low levels of serotonin are known to contribute to depression and other mood disorders.
• Aids better sleeping patterns The relaxant properties within magnesium make it easier to sleep. There is some evidence to suggest that low magnesium levels contribute to insomnia.

Magnesium bath salts from magnesium flakes - have a health infused bath

Magnesium flakes are a natural form of magnesium and are a highly concentrated form of magnesium chloride. As such they are the perfect way to prepare and enjoy a luxurious healthy soak in magnesium salts.

When added to warm water, magnesium flakes will dissolve and can be easily absorbed by the skin. This process, known as transdermal absorption has been demonstrated to be a very effective way of supplementing magnesium levels in the body. Taking a  magnesium chloride bath has several advantages compared to other means such as taking tablets or capsules. These benefits include:

• The digestive system is bypassed
• Does not have any laxative effects
• It is easily applied

Magnesium flakes can be added to a normal bath or a footbath. As a broad rule of thumb here are some guidelines for preparing either bath.

For full body baths , it is recommended that approximately 250 grams of magnesium flakes or  zechstein flakes are added to a warm bath. You can add more if you are recovering from an intense period of exercise. Then allow your body to soak in the solution for at least twenty minutes.

For foot baths a dose of about 150 grams of flakes is added for every five litres of water used. Fully submerge your feet in the solution for at least twenty minutes.

While both magnesium flakes and epsom salts will deliver the benefits that magnesium offers, magnesium flakes make the best choice given their better absorption properties and are available from  Buy Organics Online today.