The age-old adage, ‘You are what you eat,’ is one I’ve always prescribed to. The idea that the fuel you put into your body shows on your face, your skin, and your overall health status, resonates with me.
Certainly, a look at the isles of Sardinia in Italy, and Okinawa in Japan, confirms the malnutrition theory, which states that we age because of a lack of nutrients the body needs to perform properly. On these two islands, people live longer than anywhere else on earth (average of 100+ years). Both cultures, while very different, eat a plant-strong diet and benefit from minerals and trace elements from natural resources around them.
Of the many aging theories, the malnutrition (‘you are what you eat’) theory, to me, makes sense. So, every year, I get a comprehensive nutrition evaluation (blood test) to make sure I’m getting all of the nutrients I need in my diet, for my health and for my skin.
This year, one of the nutrients I discovered I am low in is magnesium. But I’m not alone. I was surprised to learn that 70 to 80 percent of the population is magnesium deficient. Magnesium is one of the major suppliers of energy to the cells. It helps to regulate over 300 enzymes, regulate muscle control, electrical impulses and energy production, eliminate toxins and play a roll in the reduction of anxiety, migraines and insomnia. Magnesium also has a significant impact on the absorption of calcium ions into the cells (great for bones) AND it benefits skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (think benefits from the Dead Sea). Magnesium-rich foods include brown rice, wheat germ, raw cacao, almonds, peanuts, black beans and pumpkin seeds.
Magnesium supplements can be taken orally, but the preferred supplementation method is transdermal absorption (a.k.a. as a warm soak in mineral-rich water). Because I appreciate our need to re-mineralize, I love natural hot springs which are often rich in magnesium and other essential minerals. On my ski trip to Colorado last month – I spent time soaking in pools at Hot Sulfur Springs. Rich in sulfur and one of the nation’s oldest hot mineral springs, Hot Sulfur Springs lies a couple of hours northwest of Denver. Seven natural hot springs, which are cooled to a temperature of 95-112 degrees F, are fed into 21 pools and private baths. The Ute Indians used the springs as a sacred place to bathe and heal the body, mind and spirit. Today, there are hot waterfalls, interesting alcoves and pools of various sizes. The lodge is not fancy but I highly recommend the experience. A few weeks later, on my trip to London for the Professional Beauty Conference, I made my fifth visit to Bath, England and reconnected with the sacred and mysterious hot springs there. I am always in awe of these ancient Roman ruins.
The timing of these hot-spring visits was perfect, as we have just introduced our NEW Mineral Wellness Soak – which means I can keep on replenishing my magnesium levels at home. These fair-trade, hand-harvested and solar-dried mineral crystals from a pristine source elevate the bathing experience into a purifying, remineralizing, muscle-relieving wellness treatment. One of Earth’s most incredible natural treasures (98.76% pure); this Soak contains a perfect and rare balance of over 60 essential minerals and trace elements. The salts are high in magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, lithium and colloidal silver (natural antiseptic). So, if you’re like me – low in magnesium and unable to bathe in a natural hot spring regularly – this therapy is the next best thing. For ultimate results, with any mineral bath, we recommend taking the bath consecutively for 10 days, as a traditional KUR – and to do four KURs a year, with each change of season (plus individual baths in between).
Twenty minutes of relaxation is all it takes. The salts are all-natural, so adding an essential oil or bath gel makes the therapy a sensory experience. Fill your tub with warm water, add 1/4 cup of the salts and relax, meditate and soak in your magnesium and essential minerals. You will sleep better than ever and have the best dreams ever.
Love,
Charlene