Magnesium plays a pivotal role in so many different bodily processes, influencing everything from sleep to stress, muscle recovery to skin health, and a whole lot more.
While some sources say half of all Americans are deficient in magnesium, the issue is easy to fix. You just need to incorporate more magnesium into your routine! But how should you go about it, a magnesium soak vs oral supplement?
There’s no question that the convenience of an oral magnesium supplement is compelling, but it’s not without its problems. From limited uptake to digestive discomfort, powders and pills just don’t cut it.
On the other hand, transdermal magnesium is far more efficiently absorbed by the body. Because it bypasses the digestive system, you won’t deal with any of the troublesome side effects associated with oral supplementation, either!
Learn more about the nuances between transdermal magnesium vs oral supplements below and take the next step towards overcoming deficiency to live a healthier, happier life.
Better yet, see for yourself what a difference an expertly crafted magnesium bath soak can make for you at Flewd Stresscare today! We’ve got soaks tailored to any ailment you’re struggling with, from insomnia to pain, anger to sadness, panic, and much, much more.
Why Magnesium is a Must in ANY Wellness Regimen
We’ll compare and contrast magnesium soak vs oral supplements in just a moment, but first, let’s highlight the significance of this mineral so you can see why choosing the best form of delivery is so important.
Your body simply cannot function optimally without it, given that it supports more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Some of these include:
- Energy production: Converts food into usable energy at the cellular level.
- Muscle function: Regulates muscle contraction and relaxation, preventing cramps and spasms.
- Nerve transmission: Supports proper communication between the brain and body.
- Heart health: Helps maintain steady heart rhythms and normal blood pressure.
- Bone strength: Aids in calcium absorption, promoting strong bones and teeth.
- Stress and sleep regulation: Lowers cortisol levels and promotes melatonin production for better sleep.
- Blood sugar control: Enhances insulin sensitivity so cells absorb glucose more efficiently, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
All this considered it’s no wonder people feel so awful all the time. Without ample magnesium stores, the body cannot produce energy efficiently. This is compounded by poor sleep patterns, another side effect of deficiency.
This is why supplementing your body’s magnesium stores is so important - but, how should you go about it?
The Different Ways to Incorporate Magnesium Into Your Wellness Regimen
There are a multitude of ways you can incorporate magnesium into your daily routine, some of which are better than others.
While we’ll focus mainly on transdermal magnesium vs oral supplements, even something as simple as changing your diet is a step in the right direction. Spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and whole grains are all excellent sources of magnesium.
But from a consistency perspective, taking a supplement is going to offer better results. There are two primary choices here: a magnesium soak vs oral supplement.
Oral Magnesium Supplements
These are available in tablets, powders, and capsules, each of which allows for flexible dosing. They’re also available in different types of magnesium compounds such as magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, or magnesium oxide, each offering specific absorption rates and benefits depending on the formulation.
Each form is absorbed differently, making it important to choose based on individual needs - whether for digestive health, muscle function, or sleep support.
But as we’ll discuss more in-depth below, the convenience of oral supplements comes at the cost of low bioavailability and a few uncomfortable side effects. This is where the concept of consuming magnesium through your skin becomes particularly appealing…
Transdermal Magnesium Soaks
These are an alternative to oral magnesium that delivers the nutrient through your skin, or the epidermis. You simply add the magnesium to warm bathwater and soak it up, as the name suggests.
This bypasses the digestive system to deliver localized relief directly to the muscles, which is often where it’s needed most. This makes it especially attractive for athletes battling soreness or even everyday people feeling as if they’re holding onto stress.
But, beyond the benefits, you’ll also enjoy fewer side effects since you’re not dealing with magnesium passing through the digestive tract. It’s a win-win!
Transdermal magnesium supplements typically fall into one of two types: magnesium chloride (bath soak) or magnesium sulfate (epsom salt). We have a separate guide comparing magnesium soak vs epsom salt if you’re interested.
But for now, let’s narrow our focus back to the topic at hand: magnesium soak vs oral supplements. So, is transdermal magnesium better than oral?
Magnesium Soak vs Oral: Which Method is Better?
The short answer is magnesium soaks are far superior to their oral supplement counterparts. However, oral supplements do have their benefits despite their shortcomings. Let us show you why a transdermal magnesium soak is likely the right choice for you.
Bioavailability and Absorption Rates
The primary difference between transdermal magnesium vs oral is bioavailability, which speaks to how much of the nutrient your body is able to uptake and use.
As we touched on already, oral magnesium can be limited by the digestive process, with specific absorption rates varying based on the type of supplement and your gut health.
For example, magnesium oxide has a low absorption rate, while magnesium citrate or glycinate may be more efficient but can still be affected by digestive issues.
In contrast, a magnesium soak bypasses the digestive system entirely so the mineral can be absorbed transdermally. This is a more direct, consistent way to reap the benefits of magnesium. In other words, you get better bang for your buck with transdermal magnesium uptake.
Convenience
We want to give credit where it’s due, the convenience of oral supplements is undeniable. You can simply mix up a drink at the end of the day and toss it back, or take pills with your breakfast.
But what’s the point of convenience if you’re not actually getting the benefits you’re seeking?
While it’s certainly a bit more work, there are benefits to indulging in a magnesium soak as well. It’s a relaxing, therapeutic experience that can help you unwind after a long day. It’s a great way to focus on self-care.
So while it might not be as convenient as taking pills or powder, a transdermal magnesium soak works better - and the extra effort is well worth it in our opinion!
Side Effects
You know now that oral magnesium supplements can lead to a host of unpleasant side effects, including gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, or stomach cramps, especially if taken in high doses.
These side effects can make it difficult to stick with your magnesium supplement in the long run. You might find yourself avoiding it within a few weeks.
On the other hand, there aren’t really any side effects associated with magnesium soaks since they bypass the gut entirely. The only risk is skin irritation, but this can be avoided by choosing a quality magnesium soak, like those awaiting you at Flewd Stresscare.
There’s also the concern of dehydration if you soak too long in a hot tub of water, but again - this can be alleviated by drinking ample water, better yet, with electrolytes infused in it.
Targeted Benefits and Uses
When choosing between a magnesium soak vs oral supplement it may help to think about what exactly you’re trying to get out of it.
Oral magnesium is absorbed systemically, meaning it impacts the whole body. This can be great for targeting overall magnesium deficiency, but what if you’re struggling mostly with muscle aches? Or, maybe it’s joint pain holding you back from living life to the fullest.
Either way, you can rely on a homemade bath soak for aches and pains to offer targeted relief fast. Soaking in the magnesium gets it directly into the muscles and tissues where it’s needed most.
So, is Transdermal Magnesium Better Than Oral?
It should be clear that transdermal magnesium is better than oral supplementation at this point. Really, it comes down to the simple fact that it’s better absorbed transdermally than orally, and with fewer side effects along the way.
That being said, the only thing left to do now is see for yourself how a healing bath soak recipe like those available at Flewd Stresscare can elevate your wellness regimen.
Discover the Benefits of Magnesium Soaks at Flewd Stresscare!
We’re your one-stop shop for all the transdermal magnesium soaks you could need, from our muscle bath soak to our anxiety bath soak, stress relief bath soak, and a whole lot more.
All our recipes are carefully crafted with magnesium chloride for its high bioavailability, and then, customized with vitamins, nootropics, and other nutrients to target specific ailments. These include:
- Sads Smashing Soak: Contains vitamins B3, B6, and nootropic lithium to boost mood, stabilize emotions, and alleviate stress-induced mental fatigue.
- Anxiety Destroying Soak: Formulated with complex B vitamins and zinc, this soak calms anxious thoughts, promotes mental clarity, and reduces stress levels.
- Ache Erasing Soak: Blends vitamins C, D, and omega-3s to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle soreness, and support faster recovery.
- Insomnia Ending Soak: Includes vitamins A, E, and L-carnitine to calm the mind, regulate sleep patterns, and promote deep, restful sleep.
- Panic Crushing Soak: Uses nootropic boron and omega-3s to balance stress hormones, ease panic, and reduce overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
- Rage Squashing Soak: Features vitamin B12 and nootropic chromium to stabilize mood swings, reduce irritability, and calm anger spikes.
All our soaks are free from toxins and parabens, they’re vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable, and recyclable. They’re easy to use, too. Just drop them in warm water, figure out how long to soak in magnesium bath, and enjoy!
Explore all our soaks and find the perfect formulation for your unique needs. With more than 100,000 satisfied customers to date, you can rest assured you’re getting the quality healing solution you deserve!
Bringing Our Transdermal Magnesium vs Oral Comparison to a Close
As we draw our comparison of magnesium soak vs oral supplements to a close, we hope you see why traditional pills and powders don’t belong in your wellness regimen.
They won’t offer the bioavailability necessary to quickly alleviate a magnesium deficiency, and you may experience unpleasant side effects along the way.
On the other hand, a transdermal magnesium soak is a holistic, soothing experience that not only replenishes magnesium but also addresses specific concerns like muscle tension, stress, and sleep.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started reaping the benefits of magnesium soaks firsthand today at Flewd Stresscare, where you’ll discover proven formulations to elevate your routine.
