Symptoms of eczema and rashes can also be a sign of magnesium deficiency, as they will tend to flare up under stress conditions. Low magnesium status stimulates histamine production, causing inflammation and rashes.
We need magnesium to make collagen, which helps to strengthen skin structures and therefore supports the skin barrier. In the case of thin sensitive skin its collagen is depleted and the skin barrier becomes compromised. Because it is less able to hold water and fats it is more open to the environment.
Consequently, pathogens can move in, exacerbating inflammation, redness and itchy skin. It is recommended to avoid harsh detergents or chemicals so as not to aggravate the condition. Magnesium chloride baths are very recuperative and soothing. In addition, the rich plant fats infused with magnesium chloride of Magnesium Cream can help calm the skin and restore skin barrier protection.
It’s normal for children’s immune systems to become challenged by pathogens or ‘bugs’ in the environment from time to time. This is how their systems learn to create their own antibodies. Over time they become more resistant to infections from various exposures – as long as their nutrient levels are high enough!
The ‘challenge’ strengthens the immune system as it learns to build the right defences. It’s like training your muscles at the gym. In the old days, if a child came down with chickenpox or measles symptoms other mothers who lived close by would gather their children together in order to be exposed and to catch the contagion. In this way they could go through the process of healing and acquire natural immunity for the rest of their lives. These childhood diseases were not life-threatening, but instead marked milestones in a child’s development and maturation.
When children experience inflammation and pain they need a lot of antioxidant support. It all comes down to the right nutrition.
We all know how good an antioxidant vitamin C is, but have you ever noticed that when you went swimming in the ocean your cold cleared up very quickly afterwards? This is because the salts (including large quantities of magnesium) in the ocean get absorbed via our skin (epidermis), the lining of the nasal passages and lungs. Those snotty noses can clear up in no time with a bit of sea water!
Magnesium is a powerful supporter of the immune system by fuelling the electrical system. Without enough magnesium to produce ATP in mitochondria, the immune system is weaker, making the healing process slower and more arduous.
This electrolyte replenishment helps to energise mitochondria and rebalance pH levels in cells. When cells regain their healthy alkaline status the immune system once again has access to plenty of oxygen for the destruction of pathogens and restoring the system to normal.
Grandma’s traditional chicken and vegetable soup broth laden with minerals works wonders because of the healing powers of electrolyte replacement and the buffering of inflammatory acids.
We can mimic this electrolyte charge also by soaking in the bath with a cup (for teenagers or adults) of magnesium chloride flakes. Younger children may only need half a cup of magnesium flakes in the bath.
Extra bubbles and a few drops of essential oils for fragrance can make a magnesium bath very calming and soothing. Be careful not to add harsh detergents or chemicals to the mix.