THIS is an AWESOME Gift and Delightful Way to Take Care of Your Health!

Before revealing what it is, I’ll give you a hint: magnesium. Did you know it’s the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body?


Magnesium helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. (Thank you to Care2’s Melissa Breyer for this information.)

Research shows our magnesium levels have dropped by more than half in the last century due to changes in agriculture (soil depletion from industrial farming) and diet (reliance on processed, high-calorie, low nutrient foods). Research shows the modern American diet (high in fat, sugar, salt and protein) actually speeds up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies.


Also, the focus on increasing dietary calcium is another reason magnesium levels have dropped. It’s a delicate dance–calcium depletes magnesium yet calcium functions best when enough magnesium is present. And taking a calcium supplement without enough magnesium increases the shortage of both nutrients.

Another reason supplements aren’t a good solution to increasing magnesium levels is because magnesium isn’t easily absorbed. The presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and stomach acid chemistry can render magnesium supplements ineffective.

The lack of this mineral is a big deal. According to scientists, magnesium deficiency lends to high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and many other ailments.


There is an easy way to increase your magnesium levels, however, and that’s to just eat more vegetables (especially greens) and other magnesium-rich foods (black beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and whole, unrefined grains). The natural approach is always better anyway.

Understanding that we need magnesium, and eating more greens will supply it, there is another way to get it into your bloodstream. And this is the AWESOME gift I’ve been hinting at. Another magnesium source (and this is just cool), is to soak in a bath with epsom salts. The skin is the largest organ in the body and readily absorbs into the blood and tissues whatever it’s covered or immersed in.


I saw 128 ounces (8 pounds) of Epsom salts at Target for about $5. I found a lovely glass jar with a cork lid for $2.49 at Hobby Lobby. So for around $8 I have the perfect gift that just keeps on giving!

The Epsom Salt Council (www.epsomsaltcouncil.org) shares information (supported by physicians and scientists) that presents a strong platform for epsom salt bathing:


  • Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
  • Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
  • Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
  • Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
  • Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
  • Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
  • Improved oxygen use.
  • Improved absorption of nutrients.
  • Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
  • Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
While there are lots of epsom salt brands, they’re all the same product chemically, and are typically found in drug stores. Be sure to check with your doctor if you’re expecting or have any health concerns first, but generally, just add two cups of epsom salt and soak for at least 12 minutes.

Now truth in advertising, I’ll say that I did run on to a couple places that said there’s no such proof that soaking in Epsom salts does anything for you at all. But there are so many other credible sources to its credit, that I decided to share this suggestion with you anyway. You be the judge.

So to conclude: Enjoy this routine at least three times weekly. And while you’re at it, sip on a delicious green smoothie. What a delightful way to take care of your health!

Here’s the POWERHOUSE GREEN SMOOTHIE formula (from www.simplegreensmoothies.com). The basic math is 60% fruit and 40% greens. If you don’t have a high speed blender, then simply blend in stages to avoid green chunks of anything. Have fun with this, and happy soaking!


Sources:
  •   www.gardeningknowhow.com
  •   www.rollingreens.com
  •   www.healthline.com
  •   www.amazon.com
  •   www.lifehack.org
  •   www.dlpng.com
  •   www.simplegreensmoothies.com

    Alice Osborne
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com


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