There are many products, vitamins and treatments on the market that promote hair growth. But have you considered trying minerals? Magnesium is an essential mineral for our bodies, and one that you may have overlooked. Not only does magnesium strengthen our bones and hearts, but it also has benefits for your hair and scalp.
Are you getting enough magnesium?
Magnesium consumption can be overlooked, which makes it possible to have magnesium deficiency. Signs of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, anxiety, inflammation, dizziness and more. How do we become deficient of magnesium? If you eat highly processed foods that lack nutrients, this can lead to a magnesium deficiency, so making sure that you include foods in your diet that contain magnesium will help you meet your recommended daily intake. The recommended amount will vary based on your age and gender, so for a full list check out this factsheet by the National Institutes of Health.
Magnesium for the scalp
Try using magnesium oil to massage your scalp. Scalp massages help promote blood circulation and therefore aid in the prevention of hair loss. Magnesium oil dissolves the calcium deposits in the hair follicles so it has been used to fight hair loss as well. If you have hard water, then your hair and scalp may be suffering from a buildup of calcium so applying magnesium oil would can help to dissolve this buildup. Chelating shampoos can also help to cleanse your head and scalp of buildup from hard water, for a full list of chelating shampoos read here. We recommend that you talk with your doctor about your hair loss before you try any treatments or supplements, so that you can rule out scalp conditions first.
Ways to consume magnesium
You can find magnesium supplements and magnesium oil at your local drug stores, or make your own with the recipe below. You can also incorporate magnesium oil in your lifestyle by including it in your diet. If you feel you have a magnesium deficiency, then the next time you make a trip to the grocery store, bring a list of magnesium enriched food items, such as:
- Seeds and nuts
- Green leafy vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dark chocolate
- Bananas
Magnesium Oil Recipe
via Wellnessmama.com
- ½ cup Magnesium chloride flakes
- ½ cup Distilled water
- Glass bowl or glass measuring cup
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Boil the distilled water. It is important to use distilled to extend the shelf life of the mixture.
- Put the magnesium chloride flakes in the glass bowl or measuring cup and the pour the boiling water over it.
- Stir well until completely dissolved.
- Allow to completely cool and then store in the spray bottle.
- Store at room temperature for at least six months. I keep in my bathroom to use daily.
Scalp massages with magnesium oil may help with hair loss, but always remember to first consider your lifestyle and diet, as these habits have direct effect on your body. In addition to scalp massages with magnesium oil, eating healthy foods and maintaining an active lifestyle can improve your health and the overall health of hair.
Have you tried using magnesium oil? If not, would you incorporate this into your regimen?