Spraying on magnesium

 
Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports our health, and it can be applied through the skin.

Magnesium Sprays: What Are They & How To Use Them

MAGNESIUM is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in more than 300 bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, and maintaining bone integrity.

Unfortunately, a significant number of individuals experience magnesium deficiency, often stemming from inadequate dietary intake, increased stress levels or underlying health conditions.

Aside from traditional oral supplements, transdermal magnesium sprays offer a practical alternative to ensure sufficient intake.

These sprays utilise magnesium chloride, allowing for direct absorption through the skin.

This method avoids the digestive system altogether, which can often lead to discomfort when using oral supplements.

The magnesium chloride flakes in the spray are mixed with water to create a solution with a slightly oily texture.

This formulation is favoured for its high bioavailability, making it an effective option for delivery through the skin.

The concentration of magnesium chloride in various products varies, but most aim to provide an adequate therapeutic dosage per application.

The skin’s semi-permeable nature facilitates the passage of magnesium ions into the bloodstream.

However, several factors can influence how effectively the magnesium is absorbed:

> Skin condition

Hydrated or damaged skin tends to absorb magnesium more efficiently than healthy, unbroken skin.

Applying the spray after a warm shower can maximise absorption.

> Application duration

Leaving the spray on the skin for at least 20 minutes allows for greater penetration of magnesium ions.

> Concentration levels

Higher concentrations may enhance absorption, but could cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.

> Targeted application areas

Regions such as the feet, calves and abdomen are preferable due to their larger surface areas and thinner skin.

The skin’s lipid barrier may impede absorption, but formulations that include penetration enhancers could improve delivery, albeit with the risk of skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Advantages of transdermal magnesium

health The following benefits of are magnesium: some of the > Enhancing and performance muscle recovery

Magnesium is particularly recognised for its role in supporting muscle recovery and performance.

It aids in muscle contraction and relaxation, while also reducing post-exercise inflammation.

Athletes and those experiencing muscle soreness can benefit significantly from topical application, which offers a swift alternative to oral supplementation by circumventing digestive absorption challenges.

> Improving sleep and promoting relaxation

Often referred to as “nature’s relaxant”, magnesium plays a key role in regulating melatonin and calming the nervous system.

The spray has gained popularity as a method for improving sleep quality, particularly for individuals struggling with insomnia.

A study indicated that topical application could enhance overall well-being and sleep, making it a practical alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids.

> Managing stress and anxiety

Transdermal magnesium sprays are frequently marketed as a topical solution for alleviating stress and anxiety.

Some studies suggest that adequate magnesium levels can contribute to a balanced mood by influencing neurotransmitter regulation.

While magnesium may offer some relief from anxiety symptoms, it should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health treatment.

> Supporting bone health

Magnesium’s role in maintaining bone health is undeniable, as it helps regulate calcium levels and supports bone structure.

For individuals who cannot tolerate oral supplements, topical magnesium presents a convenient option that may help improve bone density, especially in those with conditions like osteoporosis.

> Enhancing hair and scalp health

A transdermal magnesium spray may also benefit scalp health by regulating oil production and alleviating inflammation, which can combat issues like dandruff and psoriasis.

Direct application can soothe irritation and promote hair growth through improved blood flow to hair follicles.

There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting benefits for conditions such as restless legs syndrome and sleep disturbances, but further scientific validation is needed.

Using a transdermal spray comes with notable benefits, compared to oral supplements, including:

> Avoiding digestive issues

Bypassing the gastrointestinal system helps prevent side effects, such as diarrhoea, making it a suitable option for individuals with sensitive stomachs or absorption difficulties.

> Localised pain relief

The spray provides targeted relief from pain and inflammation when applied to sore muscles or stiff joints, making it particularly beneficial for athletes or those suffering from muscle cramps and spasms, and muscle soreness after exercise.

Magnesium sprays may be useful for people with fibromyalgia too.

> Convenience

The ease of application allows users to incorporate it into their daily routine effortlessly.

Challenges and ongoing research

When utilised correctly, magnesium sprays are generally safe.

However, users should be aware of potential mild side effects, which may include:

> Skin irritation: Some individuals may experience tingling or a burning sensation, especially on sensitive or compromised skin.

> Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic responses to the ingredients can occur, making a patch test advisable.

It’s important to note that magnesium sprays are for external use only; ingestion can lead to elevated magnesium levels, although this risk is lower, compared to oral supplements.

While transdermal magnesium sprays show promise, their efficacy remain a subject of debate due to limited research, often involving only small participant groups.

A pilot study in 2017 suggested that topical magnesium can increase cellular magnesium levels, but the small sample size limits the reliability of these findings.

Moreover, the methods used to measure magnesium levels, such as hair mineral analysis, lack consistency.

Ongoing studies are focusing on several areas related to transdermal magnesium, including: > Standardised measurement techniques: Developing reliable methods for assessing skin absorption.

> Long-term safety and efficacy: Investigating the sustained effects of transdermal magnesium across various populations.

> Comparative analyses: Evaluating the effectiveness of transdermal versus oral magnesium supplementation. Future findings could elucidate the role of transdermal magnesium in clinical applications.

Usage guidelines and precautions

Before using a transdermal magnesium spray, consider the following recommendations: > Patch-testing: Conduct a patch test to check for skin sensitivity, especially for individuals with conditions like eczema. > Dilution for sensitivity :For those with sensitive skin, consider diluting the spray (e.g. a 10:1 ratio with water) to reduce discomfort.

When using the spray, apply it to clean, dry skin on wellperfused areas (e.g. arms, legs or abdomen).

Avoid application on broken or irritated skin.

For improved absorption, apply after a warm bath and massage gently without rinsing for at least 20 minutes.

Begin with five to 10 sprays per day and adjust based on individual tolerance.

First-time users should start with a lower dosage.

Use before bedtime or postactivity for targeted benefits while adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

Consult a healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, such as kidney disease or heart issues, or if you’re on medications that affect magnesium levels.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek medical advice.

While mild side effects like tingling may subside over time, users should dilute the spray or apply it to less sensitive areas to minimise discomfort.

If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Ensure that you store the spray in a cool, dry environment, away from sunlight.

Opt for high-quality magnesium chloride products that avoid additives or fragrances to reduce the risk of irritation.

Individuals are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals before integrating transdermal magnesium into their wellness routines.

-  Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@ thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Magnesium Sprays: What Are They & How To Use Them

Heart ailments affect young ones too

Protecting heart health requires regular monitoring, specialised care and awareness for adults with congenital heart disease.-123rf.com

 PETALING JAYA: Having been born with a congenital heart defect, Sheena has battled a life and death situation twice in her lifetime.

“I was born with heart disease and had to undergo open-heart surgery when I was six,” says the 28-year-old executive.

“I had another episode at 26 when I collapsed and my colleagues rushed me to hospital. I was hospitalised for a week.”

Sheena, who was diagnosed with heart disease as a child, said she was robbed of a normal childhood.

“I had to be extra careful with my diet and I could not participate in physical activities. I often felt left out,” she said.

Even as an adult, she remains mindful of participating in physical activities, her diet, and she goes for regular check-ups.

ALSO READ: Don’t ignore that rhythm in your heart

Dr Wong Teck Wee, a consultant interventional cardiologist and physician at the iHEAL Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, said ischaemic heart disease is no longer a condition confined to older adults.

He said ischaemic heart disease happens when vessels supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, mostly due to fatty deposit build-up.

“We are seeing heart disease among younger people, even in their 30s and 40s, and in some cases, even earlier,” he added.

Dr Wong attributed the rising number of cases to poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, heavy smoking, and rising rates of obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes among the younger population.

He said having a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fats can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Dr Wong said the most common and tricky part of ischaemic heart disease is that early on blockages at less than 70% can be silent.

“Some people may feel fine until it’s quite advanced,” he said, adding that such conditions can be detected through routine health screenings, electrocardiograms, stress tests or coronary computerised axial tomography (CT) scans.

ALSO READ: 100,986 heart disease patients admitted at MOH hospitals in 2023

Consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Sathvinder Singh Gian Singh said early heart disease signs include chest pain or discomfort upon exertion.

This can be accompanied with sweating or pain radiating to the left arm, back and jaw.

Other signs are shortness of breath on mild exertion and swelling on the legs, needing to sleep with the pillow at higher angles, waking up at night while gasping for air or experiencing fainting episodes and palpitations.

“These are early signs that you might have a pending heart attack,” said Dr Sathvinder, who is attached to Hospital Sultan Idris Shah, Serdang.

Early signs of a heart attack, he added, include sudden pain or pressing on the front of the chest that does not go away or gets worse.

“This can happen with or without accompanying signs of sweating or pain going to the left arm, back or jaw. The patient should be rushed immediately to the nearest health care facility,” he added.

He said if the person is not responsive, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used to assess his heart rhythm and he might need an electrical cardioversion if necessary.

Consultant sports medicine physician Dr Arvin Raj Goona­segaran advised sedentary individuals to get pre-clearance from sports physicians if they want to take part in physical activities.

“This will be helpful in excluding cardiac conditions, allowing physicians to give recommendations on how to go about exercising. Start slowly and progressively increase difficulty and duration of exercise as you adapt to it.”

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Bleeding medical talent

 

PETALING JAYA: There has been an increasing trend of medical graduates leaving for Singapore for housemanship, leading to losses of millions of ringgit in educational investment annually, say experts.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malay­sia Faculty of Medicine dean Prof Datin Dr Marina Mat Baki said from only two graduates who moved to the republic in 2020, the number grew to 15 more graduates in 2021, 25 in 2022 and 30 in 2023.

“This is a significant loss for Malaysia as the tuition fees for medical courses are heavily subsidised by the government,” she said.

She urged the government to expedite allocation of hospital postings for graduates after completing their final examinations to retain them in the country. 

“As long as they pass their final examinations, they should be allowed to apply for and get their placement as soon as possible,” she said.

According to the Singapore Medical Council, only medical students who graduated from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Malaya are accepted to undergo training in the republic.

Dr Marina noted that it is harder for graduates who did their housemanship in Singapore to return and practise in Malaysia as they need to prove that they have fulfilled the Malaysian Medical Council’s (MMC) requirements.

“If the training was not completed as per MMC’s requirements, they will need to fulfil the postings that haven’t been done in Malaysia before they can be certified and continue as a medical officer here,” she said.

She added that it is easier to come back as a specialist, but the certification must be from qualified bodies approved by MMC.

This would typically take up to 10 years.

She also highlighted the possibility of less opportunities for Malaysian graduates to pursue specialist programmes in Singa­pore.

Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a health economics and public health specialist at UKM, said the government would have spent an estimated RM500,000 to RM1mil per student for a five-year course.

She said the cost included the study placement comprising capital and assets in training hospitals.

“The government is also paying all lecturers to teach our medical students. This figure is only from one university,” she said, referring to UKM.

“The return on all the investments is lost because once the doctors work abroad, there is no benefit received by the local population.”

Apart from the financial loss, she said, Malaysia is also left with fewer doctors, which could disrupt the ratio of provider-to-population and affect access to medical care.

Hartal Doktor Kontrak spokesperson Dr Muhammad Yassin said the talent outflow would place further strain on Malaysian healthcare workers.

“This will lead to more burnout and overwork, which may in turn lead to more exodus out of the Health Ministry, either to the private sector or overseas.

“The overall effect will be a healthcare system with suboptimal care for the patients as more and more are depending on the public healthcare system due to the increase in insurance price and medical inflation,” he said when contacted.

He said this matter should be addressed by improving the working environment and providing better remuneration for medical officers and specialist doctors.

“Start with increasing on-call allowances. There is also a need to find ways to reduce the workload of healthcare workers in general, not just doctors but also support staff,” he added.

He proposed a private-public partnership or a national insurance scheme that helps offload patients in the government facilities to the private sector without compromising care.

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Strengthening your abdominal muscles, Reclaim Your Stability With Core Exercises For Stroke Recovery

 

The Only Core Exercises You Need For Strength And Stability!

These abdominal exercises aim to ensure that your core muscles are strong and functional.

TODAY, I’m going to focus on one exercise that you can do for every abdominal muscle.

It’s not to achieve a flat stomach, but to strengthen your core muscles to help stabilise your body, allowing you to move in any direction without losing your balance.

From a rehabilitation perspective, a strong core can help alleviate lower back pain, improve spinal alignment and reduce the risk of injury during physical activity.

A strong core doesn’t necessarily mean a toned stomach, while a visible six-pack does not always equate to a strong core.

A six-pack looks good with or without clothes, no doubt, but you have to ensure it is also functional.

Having visible abdominal muscles just means your body fat percentage is low enough to show the muscle fibres beneath subcutaneous fat.

Doing core exercises alone won’t help as burning off body fat is best accomplished by modifying the diet and engaging in cardiovascular activities.

And the reality is that the older you get, the harder it is to trim fat and build muscle.

We have five main muscles in our abdomen:

> Rectus abdominis – the top or

superficial layer.

> Pyramidalis – a small triangular muscle, anterior to (in front of ) the rectus abdominis muscle.

> External obliques – outermost abdominal muscles, extending from the lower half of the ribs around and down to the pelvis.

> Internal obliques – muscles on the lateral (outer) side of the abdomen and anterior to (in front of ) the external oblique muscles.

> Transversus abdominis – the deepest layer.

Of the five, the transversus abdominis is the hardest to get to because it is located in the deepest area.

Virtually all daily movements and activities involve the abdominal muscles to some extent, from walking/running and putting on shoes to playing board games.

However, they don’t bulk up to the degree of other muscles because they are relatively thin structures.

That said, try out these four exercises.

Perhaps do them two or three times a week as all muscles need to be rested in between workouts.

If you’re a beginner, stick to one set of all the exercises, and build up from there.

By Revathi Murugappan , a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email starhealth@ thestar.com.my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Reclaim Your Stability With Core Exercises For Stroke Recovery

After a stroke, many patients struggle with poor control and strength in the muscles on one side of the body. While the focus of recovery is often on the limbs and facial muscles, without a strong core, extremities and the rest of the body may suffer. With the help of these core exercises for stroke recovery, you can continue to make recovery progress at home on your own.

Beth Thornton and Kathryn Smith, physiotherapists at Physio At Home, promote the importance of core strength in stroke recovery. When the core is strong, the rest of the body benefits. Not to mention, a stroke can impact the core more than many patients realize. When working with stroke victims, Thornton and Smith emphasize the importance of the core in overall recovery and recommends specific core exercises for stroke recovery patients can perform at home to help strengthen the core.

As with any new exercise, stroke victims should talk with their healthcare provider before attempting any of these. If the exercises cause pain, the individual should stop.

Basic Level Core Strength Exercises

Strokes are life-threatening events that can cause irreversible neurological damage, so the recovery period is as much about retraining the brain as it is about strengthening the muscles. In order to regain use of your core muscles, you must keep them active in order to create the brain connections you need to improve after a stroke.
When first starting out, consider practicing these basic level core exercises:

1) Pelvic Floor Contractions

Pelvic floor contractions, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles on the pelvic floor, which is the muscular base of the abdomen attached to the pelvis.

First, find the muscles by imagining that you are trying to hold urine or stop from passing gas. Squeeze these muscles by lifting and drawing in, then hold for a count of three. Relax then repeat, gradually increasing the holding time until you can hold for 10 seconds.

If at any point you feel the contraction relaxing, let it relax completely and rest for 10 seconds before contracting again.Repeat the exercise 10 times.

2) Knee Rolling

Lay on your back with your hands resting at your side. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Roll your hips so that your knees push to the left, then to the right, then back to center. Repeat 10-20 times.

3) Single Leg Drop-Outs

Lay on the floor with the hips and feet flat with the knees bent. Keep the pelvis still, using the hands to keep it in place if needed. Inhale, and drop the left knee to the left, as far as possible without lifting the pelvis, keeping the knee bent. Exhale, and draw the knee back in. Repeat 5 times per side.

Intermediate Level Core Strength Exercises

Once you begin building some strength, you are ready to progress in your exercise practice. These intermediate exercises will challenge a larger number of core muscles and build even more strength.

4) Single Leg Bridging

Lay on the exercise mat and place one leg flat on the floor with the knee bent. Place the other leg on an exercise ball. Using the core muscles, lift the pelvis off the mat and slowly lower back down. Repeat for 10 repetitions, then switch legs.

5) Side Laying Clams

Clams are a great exercise for your core as well as your legs. Lie down on your side with your knees bent, resting one knee on top of the other. Keeping your feet together, lift the upper knee towards the ceiling and hold your knees apart for 10 seconds. Next, slowly lower your knee back down. Be careful not to roll your hips back. Repeat 5-10 times on each side.

6) Four-Point Kneeling

Kneel on the ground and place your hands flat on the ground so you are in a crawling stance. Contract the pelvic floor and raise one leg while lifting the opposite arm. Hold for a few seconds, and return to the starting position, repeating with the opposite arm and leg. Repeat for two to three sets of 10 reps each.

Advanced Level Exercises

As you continue to develop your core muscles, you will be ready to add more intensity. These advanced exercises increase the intensity of the intermediate exercises so you can regain a strong, healthy core.

7) Bridging with Arms Above Head

Lay on an exercise mat with your shoulders and lower back flat on the floor. Support your legs on an exercise ball. Lift your arms above your head, then use the core muscles to lift your hips off the floor until your body is in a straight line from heels to shoulders. Slowly lower back down and repeat 10-15 times.

8) Bilateral Leg Cycling

Lay on the floor and lift the legs off of the ground, holding them in a cycling position. Then, cycle as if you are riding a bicycle in the air. Rest and repeat 10 times.

9) Superman Pose

Imagine superman flying through the air. Now, lay on the floor on your stomach and take this same position, arms and legs extended. Hold to strengthen the core muscles in your back, and relax.Hold the position for 2-5 seconds and repeat 10 times.

When Retraining the Brain and Body After a Stroke, Don't Neglect the Core

A stroke is a life-altering event that can happen in an instance. For many stroke patients, it serves as a wake up call to pay closer attention to health and wellness. A pro-active approach to retraining the muscles and the brain after a stroke is a great first step towards a healthier life.

When working at home, do not neglect those crucial core muscles. With a little bit of attention to the core, and the help of Saebo products to strengthen the hands, arms, and shoulders, you can experience a high quality of life after a stroke.

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Whether you are a caregiver, occupational therapist or even a stroke survivor yourself, Saebo provides stroke survivors young or old access to transformative and life changing products. We pride ourselves on providing affordable, easily accessible, and cutting-edge solutions to people suffering from impaired mobility and function. We have several products to help with the stroke recovery and rehabilitation process. From the SaeboFlex, which allows clients to incorporate their hand functionally in therapy or at home, to the SaeboMAS, an unweighting device used to assist the arm during daily living tasks and exercise training, we are commitment to helping create innovative products for stroke recovery. Check out all of our product offerings or let us help you find which

 product is right for you.

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