Magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride is the name under which the Nigari Salt is known, a type of magnesium salt that is very easily assimilated by the body. Magnesium chloride is extracted from seawater or salt lake water. Following the salt extraction process (sodium chloride), after the water has evaporated, the magnesium chloride crystals remain. Nigari salt supports health by balancing the body's magnesium levels.

Magnesium is an extremely important mineral for health, with a role in maintaining metabolic balance, adjusting stress and blood pressure, as well as supporting the circulatory, respiratory and bone systems. Nigari salt or magnesium chloride can be consumed both as crystals, in supplements and tablets.

The benefits of Nigari salt

Nigari salt is used to supplement magnesium intake in the body. Magnesium salts, such as nigari salt, are more effective in treating magnesium deficiency because they are soluble in water. Magnesium chloride is completely absorbed in the small intestine and thus reaches the blood, being easily assimilated by the body. The main benefits of niagri salt are:

Reduces magnesium deficiency:

Magnesium is vital for the health of the human body, being responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions, including the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure and muscle and bone function. Magnesium is also involved in the production of proteins, bone minerals and DNA. Magnesium deficiency is manifested by fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, cramps, irritability, hair loss, dental caries, brittle nails and cardiac arrhythmias. Chronic magnesium deficiency is linked to conditions such as asthma, migraines, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis and colon cancer.

Prevents type 2 diabetes:

Studies have shown that supplements with magnesium chloride or other magnesium salts increase insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, thus preventing the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes.

Decrease blood pressure:

Magnesium chloride can help regulate blood pressure at people with high blood pressure. According to recent studies, consuming about 350 milligrams of magnesium per day for three months can lower systolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.78 mmHg.

Improves athletic performance:

Magnesium is often incorporated into supplements and drinks for athletes, to increase energy levels and increase athletic performance. The Nigari salt can help athletes preparing for a competition perform better.

Supports weight loss diets:

Magnesium helps absorb sugars and fats and prevents obesity by speeding up the fat burning process.

Fights headaches or migraines:

Magnesium deficiency has been associated with migraines, and one method of prevention is the consumption of Nigari salt.

Relaxes muscles and improves sleep:

Because it has a relaxing effect on the muscles and bones, the Nigari salt helps regulate sleep and fights anxiety. At the same time, it helps balance the nervous system.

Purifies the blood:

Magnesium chloride regulates the body's pH and acts as a blood detoxifier.

Maintains the optimal level of cholesterol:

Through its effect of regulating bad cholesterol in the blood, prevents atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Prevents osteoporosis:

It has a role in fixing calcium in the bones, thus delaying the onset of osteoporosis.

Contraindications and side effects

Consumption of Nigari salt in the form of crystals or supplements is considered safe if recommended by a specialist. However, there are a number of side effects that should be considered before starting a treatment with magnesium chloride.

• Gastric problems: most magnesium salts have a laxative effect and magnesium chloride is no exception. Side effects include upset stomach, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea. These side effects occur less frequently if nigari salt is consumed during meals;
• Chronic conditions: Nigari salt is contraindicated at people with severe kidney or cardiovascular disease or at people with allergies;
• Redness of the face and throat: sometimes a redness may set in on the skin and neck, but this usually passes if the consumption of Nigari salt is given up;
• Allergic reaction: people allergic to magnesium chloride may experience severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, edema on the face, tongue or throat. In such cases it is necessary to call the emergency service;
• Drug interactions: magnesium may interfere with the absorption of antibiotics such as gentamicin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and doxycycline, thyroid glands and hypertension medicines such as nifedipine. On the other hand, certain potassium-based diuretics can increase the concentration of magnesium in the blood, thus increasing the side effects. In general, these interactions can be avoided if there is a break of at least two hours between the administration of drugs and the consumption of magnesium chloride.

How to consume Nigari salt

Magnesium chloride can be consumed as such, in the form of crystals, internally or externally and in the form of tablets. When taking supplements or tablets, you should consider the recommended daily dose of magnesium:

• Babies 7-12 months: 75 mg;
• Children 1-3 years: 80 mg;
• Children 4-8 years: 130 mg;
• Children 9-13 years: 240 mg;
• Children 14-18 years: 410 mg boys, 360 mg girls;
• Adults 19-30 years: 400 mg men, 310 mg women, 350 mg pregnant women;
• Adults 31-50 years: 400 mg men, 350 mg women, 360 mg pregnant women;
• Over 51 years: 420 mg men, 320 mg women.

As for Nigari salt crystals, they can be added to food or dissolved in water. Because they have a bitter taste, it is recommended to be mixed with fruits or vegetables, which will alleviate their taste.

Nigari salt is also suitable for external use in therapeutic baths. In the water valve add nigari salt crystals (1-2 cups) and mix until dissolved. Take a bath for 20-30 minutes. Stinging or burning sensations may occur on the skin, they usually disappear after the body is rinsed with clean water.

Nigari salt baths are recommended because magnesium chloride is very well absorbed through the skin, so the beneficial effects set in immediately. After the bath, it is recommended to massage with a greasy oil, because the nigari salt can dry the skin excessively.

In conclusion, Nigari salt or magnesium chloride is an important mineral that prevents magnesium deficiency in the body and thus keeps away diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, migraines, depression or osteoporosis. Used on the doctor's recommendation, Nigari salt has beneficial effects on both the body and the human psyche and helps regulate the most important biochemical processes in the body.