By Kristin Stephens, MS, NTP

You’ve probably never thought too much about magnesium and how much our bodies depend on it. We focus on calcium as such a necessary nutrient, but we forget about it’s sister mineral Magnesium. Read on to understand more about why I feel magnesium has become even more important than calcium.

Magnesium is often depleted in today’s standard diet because it is heavily utilized to clear excess sugar from the body. When you eat lots of refined carbs and sugars, you’re constantly pulling on your magnesium stores, often without replacing it.

During my pregnancy, I tried to stay up on all of my supplementation…prenatal vitamins, extra Vitamin C, Fermented Cod Liver Oil for my fat soluble vitamins, and lots of others. One that I started out strong with was magnesium in the form of Natural Calm drink, most nights of the week. I’d heard great things about how it can help with heartburn, morning sickness, and leg cramps.

I finally ran out of it around 31 weeks and really noticed a difference in my body. I noticed that my legs would cramp more often, my muscles just felt tighter all over, and I could never stretch enough to release my leg muscles. I thought more about what I had done differently and realized it had to be the lack of extra magnesium, coupled with the fact that I started taking in more calcium through raw dairy products.

The reason I deduced the problem was my lack of magnesium is because it works synergistically with calcium…I started taking in more calcium, but didn’t up my magnesium intake along with it. Calcium helps to contract our muscles, while magnesium helps them to relax…thus I was getting leg cramps that wouldn’t release because I was overloaded with calcium without extra magnesium!

I was going to buy more of the Natural Calm, but wanted to see if there was a cheaper and easier way for me to get the magnesium. Drinking Natural Calm before bed always led to me having to get up so many times at night…

I remembered I once read magnesium is best utilized if it is absorbed through the skin, hence the reason Epsom salt baths are so soothing to tired and aching muscles. To make it easy on myself (and spend a little less money), I bought Magnesium flakes from Ancient Minerals, and made my own magnesium oil.

See below for the recipe for the magnesium oil and its benefits:

1/4 cup magnesium flakes (I recommend Ancient Minerals)
1/4 cup distilled water

In a glass bowl or measuring cup, put the magnesium flakes. Bring the distilled water to a boil and the pour it over the magnesium flakes. Stir until completely dissolved. Let it cool and transfer to a small spray bottle. This can be stored at room temperature for up to six months.

How to use:

Spray liberally on your legs, arms, and stomach daily. Your skin may tingle for a few minutes after you spray the first few times; this is normal. The tingling should subside after a few applications, but you can dilute your mixture with more distilled water if the tingling is too bothersome.

You can leave on the skin or wash off after 20-30 minutes. I usually apply after a shower and then moisturize about 5 minutes later.

Benefits of magnesium:

  • reduces leg cramps
  • helps you sleep more soundly
  • reduces general muscle pain and even fibromyalgia
  • supports proper blood pressure
  • reduces anxiety

If making your own magnesium oil is more than you want to deal with, you can also try a liposomal magnesium product like the one we offer in our online store. DesBio Magnesium Liposomal is a high potency magnesium in a liposomal delivery system to support neurological, skeletal, and cardiovascular health. Simply follow the directions on the bottle.

If you have any questions, or need a code to purchase, we will be happy to assist you. Please contact us at the email or phone number listed below. 

To learn more about how to improve your wellbeing before, during, and after pregnancy and throughout your life, contact Pure Nutrition + Wellness LLC at [email protected], or call us at 844-787-3935. We’d love to talk with you!

Be Well,

Donna Stephens, BCN, CNHP, LDHS
Kristin Stephens, MS, NTP

Please note: The material presented by “Pure Nutrition + Wellness LLC” is a result of personal study and experience. The practitioners at Pure Nutrition and Wellness LLC are not licensed physicians. “Pure Nutrition + Wellness LLC” does not engage in the diagnosis of disease or the prescription of any health program as a cure for disease. The material and resources offered by “Pure Nutrition + Wellness LLC” are intended for educational purposes only. Be sure to consult with your personal physician regarding the treatment of any medical condition.