Copper, Zinc, Magnesium supplements for use with Light Therapy Patches

Light therapy patches, like those from LifeWave, require you have enough copper, zinc, and magnesium in your body to work effectively. In addition, you need to be drinking water enough water, so that you are fully hydrated. 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women (Mayo Clinic, Sep 6, 2017).

For use with patches, the recommended daily amounts of copper are 2 mg and zinc 15 mg. I get enough zinc in my doTerra multi-vitamins but I buy chelated copper supplement. 

Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis (Medical News Today, Oct 23, 2017).

Zinc is a trace element that is necessary for a healthy immune system. A lack of zinc can make a person more susceptible to disease and illness. It is responsible for a number of functions in the human body, and it helps stimulate the activity of at least 100 different enzymes. Only a small intake of zinc is necessary to reap the benefits. Currently, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc in the United States is 8 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 11 mg a day for men (Medical News Today, December 5, 2017).

Magnesium Chloride Flakes 

Magnesium spray is recommended rather than magnesium supplement. The most common side effects of magnesium supplements are stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (as nearly all forms of magnesium have a laxative effect). Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and magnesium citrate, for example, are commonly found in over-the-counter products to treat constipation (ConsumerLab,Apr 28, 2018).

According to most findings, taking magnesium internally as a supplement is the most effective way to counter a magnesium deficiency. However, some evidence shows that for individuals with challenged digestive systems, applying magnesium externally on the skin may help to bypass the digestive tract, allowing them to absorb the magnesium more quickly and completely (The Herbal Academy, November 29, 2019). 

Magnesium chloride flakes are readily available in many pharmacies or online at Amazon or Swansons for making magnesium spray. The container suggests amounts for foot soaks or bathing. As a spray, I recommend 1:1 (4 ounces of magnesium flakes mixed into 4 ounces of hot distilled water). I put the solution into a glass spray bottle, although that is probably not necessary. 

Spray the magnesium solution on your fore arms and thighs after showering. When it dries, it may leave a white powder on the skin. Dust it off with your hand.