Magnesium flakes vs. Epsom salts although both may look similar they aren't the same. Both minerals are used to improve our overall health. The key difference is how the body absorbs these minerals. Magnesium is a common and vital mineral that the body needs but can't produce on its own, so we must make sure that we are getting enough of it. These minerals have significant health benefits for relaxation and stress relief, they can improve our sleep quality, and reduce muscle pain and cramps. In this article, we will dive into the benefits and risks of each mineral and help you determine which is best for your needs.
Magnesium Flakes vs. Epsom Salts: What is the Difference?
Magnesium flakes are also known as magnesium chloride flakes which are tiny crystals formed from magnesium and chloride ions. Compounds containing magnesium ions are used in medicine to treat various diseases such as Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and migraines.
Alternatively, Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It consists of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Epsom salts are also used in warm water baths for relaxation and therapeutic purposes.
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How Are Magnesium Flakes Made?
The magnesium we know of today is known as Zechstein magnesium, which is sourced from the Northern regions of the Netherlands by a mining method called solution mining.
How Are Epsom Salts Made?
Epsom salts cannot be manufactured in laboratories as they occur naturally. Epsom salt is obtained by evaporating water from lakes rich in magnesium sulfate. It is also found in mines and limestone caves.
Using Magnesium Flakes and Epsom Salts Tropically
Both minerals can be used tropically either by creating a salt bath and soaking in it for 20-30 minutes or by dissolving a little bit of the flakes or salts with warm water and creating a paste that you can apply to the affected area and then rinsing it off after 20-30 minutes.
The Benefits of Magnesium Flakes
To improve your relaxation and stress levels you can add magnesium flakes to your bath water or foot bath. Magnesium flakes also help with muscle aches and inflammation. Having a magnesium bath once per week can help benefit your muscles and ligaments, especially after an intense gym session as well as improve your sleep quality and well-being. Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the magnesium.
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Magnesium also contributes to healthy bones and teeth and helps maintain blood pressure and is a vital mineral for those who suffer from diabetes.
Magnesium is an essential vitamin that our bodies require. Although it is present in most foods some people have dietary conditions therefore, you can find a magnesium pill alternative to increase the need for magnesium. We recommend Magnesium L-Threonatte.
- Supports magnesium levels in the brain.
- Helps support cognitive health.
- Improves sleep.
20 Foods That Are Rich in Magnesium
We need sodium, potassium, and magnesium to maintain optimal cellular function. Our bodies depend on it for metabolic reactions and to maintain our health. We need magnesium for our muscles, blood vessels, heart, brain, and bone tissue. In the chart below we will investigate foods that are rich in magnesium according to USDA.
| Name of Food | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Cashews | 292mg |
| Almonds | 268mg |
| Pumpkin seeds | 262mg |
| Dark chocolate | 252mg |
| Peanuts | 168mg |
| Peanut butter | 154mg |
| Spinach | 79mg |
| Mackrel | 60mg |
| Avo | 58mg |
| Kale | 47mg |
| Banana | 27mg |
| Salmon | 27mg |
| Bread | 25mg |
| Soya milk | 25mg |
| Chicken | 23mg |
| Beef | 21mg |
| Lettuce | 13mg |
| Rice | 12mg |
| Cows milk | 11mg |
| Yogurt | 11mg |
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Facts and Risks
- Although Epsom salts may look similar to table salt we shouldn’t consume it frequently. It has a bitter taste and when consumed often it can cause digestive problems affecting your natural bowel movements and interfering with the flora balance in the gut causing diarrhea as well as other health conditions.
- Both magnesium flakes and Epsom salts can cause skin irritations if used incorrectly.
- Epsom salts are usually dissolved in warm water for a soothing bath to help relieve stress and sore muscles.
- Epsom salts are an inexpensive way to improve your garden. Magnesium sulfate could help improve flower production and germinate seeds when your soil lakes magnesium. Keep in mind that Epsom salts are not suitable for all plants, so you should investigate in more detail before spraying or adding them to the soil.
Conclusion
- There are some slight differences in the chemical compositions of these two products. Magnesium flakes consist of magnesium and chloride ions, while Epsom salt is made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.
- Magnesium flakes are obtained through mining, while Epsom salt is obtained through the evaporation of magnesium sulfate-rich lake water.
- As the name might suggest, magnesium flakes are flakes. Epsom salt has a fine, grainy texture.
In conclusion, the primary difference between magnesium flakes and Epsom salts is their chemical composition and physical characteristics. Both can provide therapeutic benefits for health and beauty, so it comes down to your personal preference when choosing between the two. Relax and try our homemade bath salts recipe when you have your soak.
Recipes
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Homemade Bath Salts
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- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- Liquid food coloring
- 1 8 oz. jar
- A few drops of your favorite essential oils
Instructions
- To make these good smelling bath salts, first measure 1/2 cup of Epsom salt into each jar with a lid.
- Add 15 drops of food color to each jar, one color per jar and put on the lids.
- Shake the jars until the Epsom salts are dyed evenly.
- If you want your colors to be darker, add more food color and shake again.
- Take off the lids and let the salts dry overnight.
- Now, make sure your pretty jar is all clean and dry. Then pour the dyed bath salts into the jar, alternating colors (you may want to get colors that go together well).
- Add a couple of drops of essential oil to the bath salts, put on the lid.
- Gift in a basket with other bath items such as loofahs, stones, eye masks, etc.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.