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IS THERE SALT IN NATURAL CALM MAGNESIUM?
There is no sodium in Natural Calm. Magnesium citrate is called an organic "magnesium salt" in chemistry terms, like sodium chloride (table salt), but the two are very different. "In chemistry, a salt is an ionic compound that can be formed by the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. Salts are composed of related numbers of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negative ions) so that the product is electrically neutral (without a net charge)." (Wikipedia) These component ions can be inorganic, such as chloride, or organic, such as citrate.
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IS NATURAL CALM ORGANIC?
Natural Calm magnesium is sourced from deep in the ocean. It is a naturally-derived product, but because it is harvested, not produced, it is never certified organic.
The fruit flavours used are 100% organic.
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WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF NATURAL CALM MAGNESIUM AND THE CALCIUM IN NATURAL CALM PLUS CALCIUM?
Natural Calm magnesium is extracted from ocean water. The citric acid in both the Natural Calm Magnesium Citrate Powder and the Calm Plus Calcium is sourced from sugar beets. The calcium in Natural Calm Plus Calcium is derived from Limestone, where it is extracted as calcium carbonate. Then gluconic acid is added to it to convert it into calcium gluconate.
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DOES NATURAL CALM CONTAIN ANY SUGAR, CALORIES OR CARBOHYDRATES?
There is 0.015 g of stevia per teaspoon of flavoured Natural Calm (no sugar); there are no sweeteners or flavours added to the unflavored version.
Flavoured Natural Calm contains 0.7 calories per teaspoon, and 0.3 grams of carbohydrates. Unflavoured Natural Calm contains zero calories and zero carbs.
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DOES NATURAL CALM CONTAIN CORN OR ANY OF ITS DERIVATIVES?
The unflavoured version of our Natural Calm does not contain any corn or derivatives of corn. The flavouring used in the other varieties (Raspberry Lemon, Sweet Lemon, Orange, and Cherry) does have a sub-ingredient that is derived from corn (organic maltodextrin); however, there are no corn proteins in the product and all flavours of Natural Calm have been verified as non-GMO by the Non-GMO Project. (Calmful Sleep is also Non-GMO, but certification status is pending for Calmful Sleep in 2017; the process takes time.)
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WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE CITRIC ACID IN NATURAL CALM?
The citric acid is derived from verified non-GMO sugar beets sourced from Belgium.
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WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF NATURAL CALM’S MAGNESIUM AND THE CALCIUM IN NATURAL CALM PLUS CALCIUM?
Natural Calm’s magnesium is extracted from ocean water. The citric acid in both the Natural Calm Magnesium Citrate Powder and the Calm Plus Calcium is sourced from sugar beets. The calcium is derived from Limestone, where it is extracted as calcium carbonate. Then gluconic acid is added to it to convert it into calcium gluconate.
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WHY DOES IT SAY MAGNESIUM CARBONATE IN THE INGREDIENTS LISTINGS? I THOUGHT NATURAL CALM WAS MAGNESIUM CITRATE?
The final product when consumed is magnesium citrate. It is created with a proprietary blend of magnesium carbonate and citric acid. Once added to water, a chemical reaction binds the two together and creates ionic magnesium citrate. As per Health Canada regulation we must list the ingredients in their elemental state.
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DOES NATURAL CALM CONTAIN ARSENIC?
It is important to understand the presence of arsenic in natural products. Natural Calm magnesium comes from deep in the ocean and like any substance from the earth or water, contains trace amounts of inorganic arsenic.
Arsenic is an element found in nature and in man-made products, including some pesticides. As a result, we ingest arsenic every day. All water - including treated municipal water - contains arsenic. Soils also contain arsenic and common plant foods are a source.
Two tsp of Natural Calm has less than 1 microgram of inorganic arsenic.
In comparison, a serving of long grain brown rice from Whole Foods has about 10 x that amount. (See
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm)
Most Canadians’ “daily intake of inorganic arsenic from food would be 10.5 µg (micrograms). This contrasts with an intake of <7.5 µg (micrograms) of principally the pentavalent inorganic arsenic species in drinking water.” (From
https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/publications/healthy-living-vie-saine/water-arsenic-eau/index-eng.php?page=6#a5.2)
From food and water combined, you are likely getting about 20x the amount of arsenic you would ingest from a normal daily dose of Natural Calm (which is 1-2 tsp.)
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DOES NATURAL CALM CONTAIN ALLERGENS?
Natural Calm does not use common allergen ingredients, however, it is prepared in a facility that processes soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat. The facility is operated by Nutranext, a major US supplement company with a strong commitment to safety and quality. While the equipment is sanitized after processing allergen ingredients, individuals with allergies should be aware that Natural Calm is not currently certified allergy-free.
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ARE THERE HEAVY METALS OR TOXINS IN NATURAL CALM?
Natural Calm is subjected to extensive purity and safety testing to pass Health Canada standards for purity. We retain the certificates of analysis proving that Natural Calm is deemed safe and surpasses purity requirements.
In the US, the HealthyLiving Foundation independently purchased and tested all Natural Calm ionic magnesium citrate formulas for chemical toxins including inorganic arsenic, cadmium and lead. Natural Calm received the Tested & Approved Seal from Healthy Living Magazine. This seal assures retailers and shoppers that awarded products are free from harmful amounts of chemical toxins including inorganic arsenic, cadmium and lead, meeting the stringent standards of California’s Prop. 65.
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CAN I TAKE NATURAL CALM AFTER ITS EXPIRATION DATE?
We do not advise consuming or selling the product beyond its expiration date. Magnesium is a mineral and does not degrade, but the natural fruit flavours in the flavoured versions of Natural Calm have the potential to spoil in the long-term.
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IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE MAGNESIUM?
People who have kidney disease, a low heart rate (i.e. less than 50), Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, myasthenia gravis or anyone on blood thinners should consult their doctor before taking Natural Calm.
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CAN I TAKE NATURAL CALM WITH MEDICATION?
A medically-trained professional may advise you to avoid magnesium while taking certain prescription medications, including blood thinners. If you are taking any prescription medication, please defer to medical advice.
Magnesium will interfere with the efficacy of iron supplements and antibiotics. Discontinue magnesium while on a course of antibiotics. If you take both iron and magnesium daily, take these supplements at different times of the day.
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IS NATURAL CALM SAFE TO TAKE WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
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CAN I TAKE TOO MUCH MAGNESIUM?
If you take too much magnesium, as with vitamin C, the body will use what it needs and eliminate any excess. The excess will go into the colon, causing it to hydrate, where the only effect is stools that are “loose.” Millions of people around the world use magnesium simply because of the natural, laxative properties.
This would be the only side effect, and any "overdose" is safely depleted through the kidneys. In fact, magnesium is excreted daily, requiring continual replenishment.
Take caution if you have kidney problems. Because excess magnesium is detoxified through your kidneys into your colon, a weak kidney may not work well enough to properly excrete the magnesium. People on kidney dialysis or who have severe kidney disease should consult their physician before taking any magnesium in supplement form.
Anyone with IBS or loose stools should divide their Natural Calm magnesium into smaller, more frequent doses throughout the day.
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IF I TAKE CALMFUL SLEEP, DO I STILL NEED A MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENT?
Calmful Sleep is a blend of natural sleep-promoting ingredients,
one of which is magnesium. 2 tsp of Calmful Sleep contains about 220 mg of magnesium, which is an adequate supplement for many adults.
Calmful Sleep alone may not be an adequate supply of magnesium if:
- You are taking less than 2 tsp of Calmful Sleep per day, as many people do. For example, often only 1/2 tsp of Calmful Sleep is needed to resolve insomnia, and that dose contains only about 55 mg of magnesium.
- Your magnesium supplement needs are higher than what you get from Calmful Sleep, even at the full 2 tsp dose. Some people just need more than 220 mg of magnesium daily.
You may recognize that you need more magnesium if you have tension, pain, anxiety or constipation -
even if you're sleeping well with Calmful Sleep. The natural sleep ingredients in Calmful Sleep can address insomnia at a low dose, but you still need to get enough magnesium.
Keep your magnesium levels high by continuing to take Natural Calm magnesium while you use Calmful Sleep, if needed.
Either mix Natural Calm magnesium with Calmful Sleep at night or take Calmful Sleep alone at night and take Natural Calm magnesium in the morning or afternoon.
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HOW LONG WILL A BOTTLE OF CALMFUL SLEEP LAST?
Most individual users will find the bottle lasts between 1 and 4 months.
If you take a full dose of 2 tsp nightly, the bottle of Calmful Sleep will last at least 20 days.
Most users will find their sleep is dramatically improved at a much smaller dose.
1/2 tsp per night is a good starting point and may never need to be increased, in which case the bottle would last almost 4 months.
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WHY ISN’T THE BOTTLE FULL?
As with other powdered products, settling occurs. When the powder is bottled, it is extremely fluffy from the production process. There is so much air mixed in with the Calmful Sleep, that the powder must be pressed down manually in order to seal the cap. Over time, the product settles and the volume decreases, but the total amount of product (113 grams) does not change.
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CAN I TAKE CALMFUL SLEEP EVERY DAY, INDEFINITELY?
Calmful Sleep contains the hormone, melatonin, and Health Canada recommends melatonin for temporary relief from sleep disturbances. Some research indicates that longer-term use may be appropriate. Consult a medical professional to ascertain the risks and benefits specific to your health.
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HOW MUCH CALMFUL SLEEP SHOULD I TAKE?
The dose on the label, approved by Health Canada, is 2 tsp or 4 grams. However, users have experienced the sleep-enhancing benefits at lower doses. We recommend starting with 1/2 to 1 tsp and increasing to 2 tsp as required.
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WHAT IS THE WILDBERRY FLAVOUR MADE FROM?
Calmful Sleep is flavoured with organic blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, sweetened with organic stevia. The slight tart flavour comes from citric acid, which is an essential part of the Natural Calm magnesium formula.
Flavoured Natural Calm contains 0.7 calories per teaspoon, and 0.3 grams of carbohydrates.
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ARE THERE SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CALMFUL SLEEP?
Calmful Sleep is formulated to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and help you stay asleep longer. Drowsiness is a natural side-effect.
Some users experience vivid dreams after taking Calm Sleep. This is due to L-theanine’s effect on alertness and should subside after a few nights' use.
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WHY IS THERE MELATONIN IN CALMFUL SLEEP?
Calmful Sleep is specifically formulated for nighttime sleep support. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps ease the body into restful sleep and increase total sleep time. While melatonin is spontaneously secreted by the brain, some people produce too little, whether because of jet lag, exposure to light or age-related deficiency.
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WHY IS THERE L-THEANINE IN CALMFUL SLEEP?
Calmful Sleep is a relaxing nighttime drink formulated for extra sleep support. We've added Suntheanine®, the patented premium form of the amino acid, L-theanine, to promote relaxation and reduce nervous tension.
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WHY IS THERE GABA IN CALMFUL SLEEP?
GABA, or Gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a non-protein amino acid that calms the nervous system, promoting relaxation and downgrading anxiety. GABA may also improve mood, help with PMS symptoms, treat ADHD, reduce blood pressure, and play a role in synthesizing melatonin, the sleep hormone.
GABA naturally occurs in the brain, and we've used a synthetic form in Calmful Sleep.
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WHAT ARE THE PRECAUTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CALMFUL SLEEP?
Do not take Calmful Sleep before operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Calmful Sleep includes melatonin, which may cause drowsiness.
Melatonin supplements can interact with various medications, including blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), diabetes medications and birth control pills. Consult a physician if you are currently taking medications and wish to use Calmful Sleep.
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms and rare allergic reactions have been known to occur, in which case, discontinue use.
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WHY ARE THERE TWO TYPES OF MAGNESIUM IN CALMFUL SLEEP?
Research suggests that magnesium citrate is the
more absorbable magnesium, but magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause a
laxative effect in users with sensitive bowels. By combining the two in Calmful Sleep, our formula delivers a high dose of magnesium that can be taken by anyone. The amino acid, glycine, may in itself have a calming effect on the brain, another good reason for including this form of magnesium in Calmful Sleep.
Magnesium glycinate is a chelate formed from magnesium with the amino acid, glycine. Glycine may have a calming effect on the brain, another good reason for including magnesium glycinate in Calmful Sleep.
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IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE CALMFUL SLEEP?
Natural Calm's Calmful Sleep product with melatonin, GABA and L-theanine is formulated for adults only. Parents, consult a health care professional before considering this product for your children. Melatonin is a natural hormone and caution should be taken when administering hormones to children. Consult a physician if you’re pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are currently on medication.
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AT WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD I TAKE CALMFUL SLEEP?
Calmful Sleep is specifically formulated to be taken in the evening, 30 - 60 minutes before bed. Use during the day may cause drowsiness.
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CAN I TAKE CALM BALANCE PLUS OTHER NATURAL CALM PRODUCTS?
Yes, you can combine Calm Balance with any other Natural Calm products throughout the day. If you take Calm Balance at the start of your day to support a more productive, balanced mood, you may wish to add Natural Calm magnesium citrate (our classic product) in the evening or use Calmful Sleep if you need extra sleep support.
Decide how much magnesium you need to supplement your diet and determine your total daily intake of Natural Calm products. You'll know you are supplementing magnesium properly when you sleep better, feel more relaxed and calmly energized during the day and have regular bowels.
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WHEN CAN I TAKE CALM BALANCE?
Calm Balance can be taken with or without food. We recommend using Calm Balance in the earlier part of the day, before school or work.
If you use Calm Balance during the day but also need help relaxing and sleeping at night, try taking regular Natural Calm magnesium citrate and/or Calmful Sleep before bed. Simply adjust your dose of each product to suit your total daily magnesium requirements.
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WHO CAN TAKE CALM BALANCE?
Calm Balance is licensed in Canada for adults but formulated and sold in the US for children. We have provided general Calm Balance dosing suggestions, however, parents should consult their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether this supplement is appropriate for their child.
If you have a medical condition or are on prescribed medication, please consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
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WHAT IS CALM BALANCE USED FOR?
Calm Balance is formulated to promote a relaxed, calm, focused state. Magnesium relaxes the muscles and regulates the nervous system. Suntheanine, a premium patented form of the amino-acid, l-theanine, is mentally calming. Choline supports brain development. B12 is essential for energy and B6 enhances mood. D3 supports mood, cognition, healthy skin, bones and teeth and vitamin C is a potent antioxidant for cellular defence and repair.
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WHEN SHOULD I TAKE NATURAL CALM GUMMIES?
You can enjoy Natural Calm Gummies at any time of day or evening, with or without food. Magnesium is not a sedative but it does help activate sleep hormones at night, under conditions of darkness. When taken during the day, magnesium supports normal energy production without causing stimulation.
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IS THERE GLUTEN IN THE GUMMIES?
No, Natural Calm Gummies are gluten-free and free from soy.
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ARE THE GUMMIES VEGAN?
Yes. There is no gelatin, dairy, eggs or other animal products in the gummies.
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IS THERE ANYTHING ARTIFICIAL IN THE GUMMMIES?
There are no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours in the Gummies. We use citric acid for stability, black carrot for colour and organic, natural fruit flavours.
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IS THERE SUGAR IN THE GUMMIES?
Natural Calm Gummies contain organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup. There is less than 1 gram of sugar per gummy.
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WHY SHOULDN’T CHILDREN UNDER AGE 4 TAKE GUMMIES?
Young children are at a greater risk of choking and the dose of magnesium in a single gummy (83 mg) may be too high for young children. The Natural Calm Gummies bottle comes with a special safety seal to prevent children from taking the product unsupervised.
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WHAT KIND OF MAGNESIUM DO YOU USE IN THE GUMMIES?
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ARE NATURAL CALM GUMMIES JUST MAGNESIUM?
Magnesium is the only medicinal ingredient in Natural Calm Gummies.
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CAN I TAKE GUMMIES AND YOUR NATURAL CALM MAGNESIUM DRINK?
While you can certainly take more than one type of magnesium, it's important to regulate your overall dose. Determine the
right total amount of magnesium for you, daily. Then, divide that dose into servings and ideally, space your servings throughout the day.
For example, an adult may wish to take one or two Natural Calm Gummies throughout the day and have a hot cup of Natural Calm magnesium citrate in the evening.
You will know you are taking the right amount of magnesium when your bowels are comfortably loose and you experience fewer (or no) symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as stress, pain, tension and insomnia.
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WHO SHOULD USE NATURAL CALM GUMMIES?
Natural Calm Gummies are for anyone who needs more magnesium in a convenient, chewable format. Gummies are great for kids and for adults on-the-go.
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CAN MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE LIQUID BE TAKEN ORALLY?
The magnesium chloride used in our MagTherapy line of products tests clean for heavy metals, contaminants and toxins. However, it is licensed and recommended only for external use.
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IS THIS MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE?
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MCH) is chemically/laboratory produced. Our MagTherapy transdermal magnesium products are 'wildcrafted'. That means, they're taken directly from salt evaporation ponds.
Hexaydrate means "without water" and when MCH transdermal brands make magnesium spray, cream or "oil", they rehydrate these lab-produced magnesium flakes.
MCH only includes magnesium chloride without the 90 naturally-occurring trace minerals found in our wildcrafted magnesium chloride from seawater. We believe that many of these trace minerals are also transdermal and beneficial to our health.
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HOW PURE AND NATURAL IS YOUR MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE?
Whenever a new batch of Magnesium Chloride is released, it is lab tested to validate that there are no contaminants. It is tested for petrochemicals, pathogens, agricultural runoff and heavy metals that might be harmful. It always tests clean.
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WHERE DOES MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE COME FROM?
Our Magnesium Chloride (available in liquid, spray and gel) is derived from salt evaporation ponds along the coast of Southern California.
Depending on prevailing temperatures and inches of rain, the ocean water captured in the ponds will sit for 3 to 6 months until sufficient water has evaporated to cause the salt to drop out of suspension.
The water that remains on top of the salt is naturally high in magnesium chloride as well as approximately 80 other trace minerals.
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CAN I APPLY CREAM OR MAKEUP ON TOP OF MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE?
Some people use our MagTherapy liquid as a toner, to tighten and smooth skin before applying other products in the morning or at night. Others use MagTherapy Balm as a facial moisturizer.
Allow the magnesium 20-minutes or so to absorb into the skin before applying any other product.
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DO I NEED TO RINSE MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE OFF MY SKIN?
Your skin should absorb the magnesium transdermally in approximately 20 minutes. If you're using the MagTherapy liquid, spray or gel, you may wish to rinse it off. The MagTherapy Balm is very emollient, like a rich cream, and is meant to be left on until your next shower or bath.
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CAN CHILDREN USE TOPICAL MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE?
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WHY DOES MY SKIN FEEL TINGLY WHEN I APPLY MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE?
The MagTherapy line of products contain magnesium chloride sourced from ocean water and can feel similar to seawater on the skin. If you have sensitive, irritated, or broken skin, you may notice slight tingling, depending on which product you use.
Our full-strength product is MagTherapy Liquid. You may wish to dilute it 1:1 with water or a skin-friendly oil.
MagTherapy Spray, Balm and Gel are diluted to 50% strength and are suitable for most skin types. MagTherapy Balm is especially ideal for sensitive skin because it is a rich, oil-based cream.
If you experience irritation using our transdermal magnesium chloride products, discontinue use.
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IS THERE ANY RISK IN APPLYING ‘TOO MUCH’ MAGNESIUM TO THE SKIN?
Your skin effectively regulates the amount of magnesium absorbed. There is no risk of taking in too much magnesium transdermally. The only consideration is personal comfort.
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ARE THERE ANY PRECAUTIONS TO USING TOPICAL MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE?
Think of our transdermal magnesium as you would seawater. If your skin is broken or irritated, you may experience discomfort. Use caution on damaged or inflamed the skin. Although magnesium chloride liquid is healing (much like seawater) it is advisable to start with a conservative application, and if necessary, further dilute the product to comfort.
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SHOULD I USE NATURAL CALM MAGNESIUM CITRATE POWDER WHILE ALSO USING MAGNESIUM TOPICALLY?
Using both topical and oral magnesium as part of a daily regime is a great way to treat and prevent magnesium deficiency. Some people find they get the best relief from their symptoms when they double-up on magnesium.
There is further no reason to avoid using both. Your body regulates the amount of magnesium it absorbs through the skin, so there’s no risk of applying too much topically.
If you are sensitive to the gentle laxative effect of Natural Calm Magnesium Citrate Powder, simply use less of the powder and more of the topical magnesium.
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WILL I EXPERIENCE A LAXATIVE EFFECT WITH MAGNESIUM APPLIED TO THE SKIN?
No. Magnesium absorbed transdermally (through the skin) pybasses the digestive tract, targetting cells directly. You should not experience a laxative effect.
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IS THERE ANY OIL IN YOUR MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE LIQUID?
Magnesium chloride has an oil-like texture; it feels silky. However, magnesium chloride itself is not an oil and is non-staining.
Only our MagTherapy Balm combines magnesium chloride with oils. MagTherapy liquid, spray and gel are oil-free.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR MAGTHERAPY PRODUCTS?
The MagTherapy line of products deliver magnesium chloride through the skin.
MagTherapy Liquid is a concentrated form of pure magnesium chloride. Most users will wish to dilute the full-strength liquid prior to use.
MagTherapy Balm combines magnesium chloride with coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. It's rich, moisturizing and ideal for those with sensitive skin.
MagTherapy Spray is a diluted version of the full-strength liquid, and it comes in a convenient spray bottle. It's also suitable for sensitive skin.
MagTherapy Gel is ideal for massaging into tense, painful and spasming muscles. Like the balm and spray, it is also a diluted form of magnesium chloride.
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WILL YOUR TOPICAL MAGNESIUM MAKE ME FEEL SLEEPY?
Many people report a feeling of relaxation when they use our topical magnesium products. However, there is no reason to believe you will feel sleepy. Magnesium is essential for both energy production and proper sleep.
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WHEN SHOULD I USE YOUR TOPICAL MAGNESIUM? IS IT BETTER TO APPLY IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT?
Topical magnesium can be applied at any time of day. Use it when you have muscle tension, aches or pains. When applied in the evening, our topical magnesium can help to prevent restless legs and other muscle-related sleep disturbances.