Magnesium is one supplement that is a priority in my healthy lifestyle and I will use on a daily basis without fail even if I am travelling. I have tried powdered magnesium, capsules and tablets in many different brands and after many years, I have found the one that works for me. 

I believe in trying different mediums until you find the one that works for you. 

Here are some of the common ways people supplement with magnesium. 

1. Orally

1a. Magnesium supplement in powder or tablet or liquid form

I take my magnesium twice daily in powder form in a glass of hot water morning and evening and this really helps my body function more optimally. Many people try different things. Some take them at night to help them sleep better, others take them in the morning and use something else at night to help sleep. 

One of the side effects of taking too much magnesium is that it can cause loose stools. This is something to be careful of. I think it’s for this reason, that I have not been daring enough to try the magnesium in liquid form and not sure I ever will be. 

1b. In food with a magnesium-rich diet 

Nowadays, the soil is depleted of the nutrients that were previously available before and this influences the amount of magnesium the food now contains. For this reason, I augment my diet with lots of magnesium-rich foods during the day alongside taking my magnesium supplement. 

In the previous post earlier this summer, I shared 3 of my favourite shake recipes that I use to increase my magnesium into my daily healthy living. So if you missed this, go and check it out now. 

2. Via the skin 

2a. Magnesium Oil spray and magnesium cream

Not everyone is able to absorb magnesium via the digestive system. This is the case if someone has Crohn’s Disease. I have a number of clients who have instead tried to get their magnesium in via the skin. There are many products on the market now where you can get magnesium oil or magnesium cream which allows you to absorb the magnesium via the skin. 

2b. Bath salts

I love my magnesium baths and I try to have at least 2-3 a week. Wow, they have an immediate effect on my body and I will start to unwind, slow down and yawn almost as quickly as I’ve gotten into the bath. I find this is especially good as a reset after a very busy or very stressful day. I only need 20 minutes and the difference this makes to the quality of sleep I get is amazing. So magnesium can be bought in the form of Epsom salts or magnesium flakes. 

Some of my wheelchair user clients have sat with their feet in a foot spa or foot bath and had the magnesium in the bath for approximately 15-20 minutes and they have reported that this has been really helpful. Remember this is trial and error and what works for one person, may not work for everyone. I believe it’s about finding the way that works for you. I have one client with spinal cord injury with very strong spasms who uses magnesium as part of his spasticity management plan at night to help him sleep better and manage his spasms. 

This blog does not serve as advice.  Consult your consultant or GP to know what dose to use or how to use this in combination with any medication that you may be taking.