Magnesium is the fourth most common mineral in your body. It is found in bones, tissues and organs and is required for more than 300 biochemical functions. Magnesium helps maintain muscle and nerve function, strengthens bone, regulates your heartbeat and blood-sugar levels, supports your immune system, helps control blood pressure and is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. It is absorbed in the small intestines and excreted through the kidneys. Taking magnesium isn't generally advised as a treatment for itchy skin. Magnesium doesn't commonly cause itching either.
Sources of Magnesium
The main sources of magnesium are leafy green vegetables, peas and beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, halibut, wheat germ, avocados, potatoes, bananas, yogurt and raisins. Magnesium is even found in tap water, but amounts vary, depending on the quality of the water. Hard water, which has more minerals than soft water, contains more magnesium.
Sources of Itching
Itchy skin can have many causes. Inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are often caused by a reaction to environmental factors, including soap powder, detergents, perfume, pets and nickel in jewelry. Eczema is often brought on by an allergy to certain foods, most commonly wheat, nuts, seafood, eggs and some fruits. Eczema and psoriasis can also be triggered by a diet rich in sugar and processed foods, causing an autoimmune reaction, which may manifest as an itch or skin irritation.
Treatment For Skin Irritations
Hydrocortisone cream or ointment is the most common treatment for dermatitis-type skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis. However, long-term use of steroidal creams is not recommended, as they thin the skin and make it fragile. Antihistamines can relieve the itch. UV-light therapy has proved helpful for some psoriasis sufferers. Natural treatments for skin conditions include a healthy diet, detoxing, stress reduction and meditation.
Dietary Guidelines
The first step toward a healthy diet is eliminating sugar and refined, processed foods. Isolating and eliminating foods that cause allergies is also important. Dr. Carolyn Dean wrote on the Life-Enthusiast website that adding foods high in magnesium, as well as vitamins A and B-complex, to your diet is important. She said that magnesium is essential for preventing allergies, detoxifying, improving skin quality and aiding relaxation. She recommended supplementation with 300 mgs of magnesium citrate twice daily.
Possible Side Effects of Magnesium
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, dietary magnesium is safe and poses no health risk. However, diet supplementation with pharmacologic doses of magnesium may have adverse side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Magnesium toxicity has also been linked to large doses of laxatives and antacids that contain magnesium. A severe allergic reaction such as rash, itching or hives may result from taking a medical supplement containing magnesium, according to Drugs.com. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience such side effects.
Member Comments