How to make your own magnesium water at home

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, many people in the United States do not consume enough magnesium in their diets. Learning how to make your own magnesium water is a practical and cost-effective way to boost your daily intake of this vital mineral for better health and hydration.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for preparing homemade magnesium water using highly bioavailable forms like magnesium bicarbonate, which is gentle on the digestive system and supports optimal absorption.

Key Points

Start Slow: Begin with a small dose of homemade magnesium water and increase gradually to allow your body to adjust.
Use the Right Ingredients: Opt for high-purity, food-grade magnesium hydroxide powder and plain carbonated water for the most effective bicarbonate recipe.
Keep It Cold: The homemade magnesium bicarbonate solution remains stable when chilled. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its high bioavailability.
Choose the Best Method for You: Consider the bicarbonate method for high bioavailability and low digestive side effects, or opt for a pre-made magnesium citrate powder for quicker preparation and convenience.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any digestive discomfort, reduce your dosage. Different forms of magnesium affect individuals differently.
Always Dilute: The magnesium bicarbonate concentrate should be diluted with regular water for daily consumption, not drunk all at once.

Understanding the Benefits of Magnesium Water

Magnesium is a critical mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, from supporting muscle and nerve function to regulating blood pressure and strengthening bones. While many people turn to oral supplements, homemade magnesium water offers a gentle, highly absorbable, and cost-effective alternative. The most popular DIY method involves creating magnesium bicarbonate, a form that is especially well-tolerated and less likely to cause digestive upset compared to other forms like magnesium oxide.

The Science Behind DIY Magnesium Bicarbonate Water

Magnesium bicarbonate ($Mg(HCO_3)_2$) is created when magnesium hydroxide ($Mg(OH)_2$) reacts with carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$), which is formed when carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) dissolves in water ($H_2O$). This reaction is key to creating a clear, bioavailable solution.

$Mg(OH)_2(s) + 2CO_2(g) o Mg(HCO_3)_2(aq)$

This simple chemical process allows you to transform common, inexpensive ingredients into a powerful and effective health supplement. The use of carbonated water ensures a ready supply of carbon dioxide for the reaction.

DIY Magnesium Water Recipe (Magnesium Bicarbonate Method)

This method yields a highly bioavailable magnesium bicarbonate solution that can be added to your regular drinking water. It is important to handle ingredients and the bottle carefully due to the pressure buildup.

Ingredients and Equipment

1 litre of plain, unflavored carbonated water (chilled)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of high-purity magnesium hydroxide powder (also known as 'Milk of Magnesia' in its liquid form, ensure it's free of additives)
A clean 1-liter glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid
Measuring spoons

Instructions

Prepare the water: Chill the bottle of carbonated water in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes before starting. This helps the water retain its carbonation during the mixing process.
Make space: Carefully open the chilled bottle and pour out about 100 mL (around 7 tablespoons) to create room for the magnesium hydroxide and for the reaction to occur safely without excessive pressure buildup.
Add the magnesium: Slightly tilt the bottle and add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the magnesium hydroxide powder, letting it slide down the inside of the bottle to minimize fizzing.
Seal and shake: Immediately and securely replace the lid. Shake the bottle vigorously for about 60 seconds. The solution will turn cloudy at first as the reaction begins.
Refrigerate and wait: Place the bottle back in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. After this time, shake it again for another 60 seconds. Repeat this process one more time. The solution will become clear once the magnesium hydroxide has fully reacted and dissolved.
Store and use: Keep the resulting clear magnesium bicarbonate solution refrigerated. A typical daily dose is 30-50 mL diluted in a glass of regular water, consumed slowly throughout the day.

Alternatives to the Bicarbonate Method

While magnesium bicarbonate is an excellent, gentle option, other methods exist for making magnesium water at home.

Simple Magnesium Citrate Powder

For those who prefer a simpler approach and don't mind the mild laxative effect, mixing a high-quality magnesium citrate powder with water is an easy alternative. Brands like Natural Calm offer flavored and unflavored options that dissolve readily. This is a quick and efficient way to boost magnesium intake.

Infused Mineral Water

Add a pinch of high-quality Himalayan or sea salt to regular water, along with some fresh lemon or lime juice. While this will provide some magnesium along with other trace minerals, it offers a much lower and less concentrated dose than a dedicated magnesium supplement or the bicarbonate recipe.

Comparison of Homemade Magnesium Water Methods


Feature	DIY Magnesium Bicarbonate	Magnesium Citrate Powder	Infused Mineral Water
Ingredients	Magnesium Hydroxide Powder, Carbonated Water	Magnesium Citrate Powder, Water	Himalayan/Sea Salt, Citrus Juice, Water
Bioavailability	Very High (Bicarbonate)	High	Low (Trace Minerals)
Effect on Stomach	Very Gentle, Low Laxative Risk	Can be laxative in higher doses	Gentle
Preparation Time	~1.5 hours (includes reaction time)	Instant	Instant
Cost	Low	Moderate	Low
Convenience	Requires some prep, but convenient once made	Very convenient, quick mixing	Very convenient, simple to mix
Taste	Neutral to slightly mineral	Varies by brand, often flavored	Citrusy and salty

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Start slowly: When you first begin, start with a smaller dose (e.g., 1/4 cup of the bicarbonate solution) to see how your body reacts. Increase gradually over time.
Monitor for digestive issues: If you experience digestive discomfort, reduce your dosage or try a different form of magnesium. Magnesium citrate, in particular, is known for its mild laxative properties.
Use proper ingredients: Always use high-purity, food-grade magnesium hydroxide. Avoid using industrial-grade products. For the bicarbonate method, plain carbonated water is essential.
Store properly: The magnesium bicarbonate solution is stable when refrigerated but will revert to less soluble magnesium carbonate if heated or left open, so keep it cool and sealed.
Consult a professional: It is always a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Conclusion

Making your own magnesium water is an empowering way to take control of your mineral intake with highly absorbable, homemade supplements. The magnesium bicarbonate method, while requiring a short preparation time, offers a cost-effective and gentle way to ensure optimal absorption. For those seeking maximum convenience, commercial magnesium citrate powders offer a simpler solution. By incorporating magnesium water into your daily routine, you can support muscle health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Whether you prefer the gentle DIY approach or a quick, ready-made powder, making your own magnesium water is a smart step towards better hydration and nutrition.

Visit the Natural Calm website for high-quality magnesium citrate drink powders.

Frequently Asked Questions

For homemade magnesium bicarbonate water, high-purity magnesium hydroxide powder is the best option. For simpler, faster preparations, a well-absorbed magnesium citrate powder is also a great choice.

The carbon dioxide in carbonated water is essential for the chemical reaction that converts magnesium hydroxide into highly bioavailable magnesium bicarbonate. This results in a clear, easily absorbed solution.

You should store the finished magnesium bicarbonate solution in a tightly sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator. This keeps it cold and prevents the dissolved carbon dioxide from escaping, which could cause the solution to become less stable.

It is recommended to start with a small amount, such as 30-50 mL of the concentrated solution diluted in water, and increase the dosage gradually. It is best to sip it throughout the day rather than consuming it all at once.

While Epsom salts contain magnesium, they are not recommended for making drinking water. They are mainly used for external applications like baths and can have a very strong laxative effect when ingested.

The solution will initially turn cloudy as the magnesium hydroxide is added. It is supposed to clarify over time and with shaking. If it remains cloudy, it may not have fully reacted, likely due to insufficient carbonation or shaking.

Yes, when following a proper, well-established recipe with food-grade ingredients and correct dosage, it is generally safe. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Yes, you can add flavors after the bicarbonate concentrate is made. Mix your daily dose with juice, add a squeeze of lemon or lime, or use natural fruit extracts for a more palatable drink.