Treat Yourself to a Good Soak
What Is Epsom Salt?
The Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths
If you have ever had your Chiropractor or health practitioner suggest that you soak in an Epsom salt bath for your tension or pain, especially after a massage, then they were right! Here are some of the benefits: Relieves muscle pain & cramps: It reduces inflammation (a flare-up of pain marked by heat and/or swelling), which makes it great for sore muscles, strains, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. Stress-reliever: whereas stress drains the body of magnesium and increases your levels of adrenaline, Epsom salt, through absorption (i.e. soaking in a tub) restores your body’s magnesium levels and helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical that is responsible for the feeling of calm and relaxation. Body balancer: Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the nerves, muscles, and enzymes. Externally, Epsom salt soften skin and even neutralizes foot odour! Detoxifies the body: Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from your cells, which are absorbed everyday by our exposure to various environments. The magnesium sulfate pulls salt out of your body through your porous skin, and harmful toxins with it.
Side effects of Epsom salt bath
For the average person, an Epsom salt bath does not pose any risk. They are safe. However, in some instances we would recommend caution. Epsom salt baths are not recommended for those with severe skin inflammation, skin infections, open wounds and severe burns. In addition to this we should note that some people are recommending Epsom salt “detox” routines that involve drinking Epsom salts. Please do not do this. Taking Epsom salts orally could cause severe disturbances in your bowel activity and pose the risk of severe dehydration and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Evidence for the effectiveness of Epsom salts baths?
The scientific evidence for Epsom salt baths is severely lacking. It is not a practice backed formally by scientific research studies. The primary concern is that the Epsom salts must permeate the skin barrier to have an impact on the muscles and tissues underneath. We do not have evidence that magnesium or sulfates can be absorbed through the skin.
Health Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation
We have strong evidence backing the health benefits of magnesium in the human body. The benefits of taking magnesium orally include improvement in sleep, reduced stress, relief from constipation, exercise performance enhancement, pain relief and reduced swelling. Research has shown that athletes often become magnesium deficient and require supplementation to maintain appropriate levels in the blood stream. Magnesium supplementation may also help aid the body in utilizing glucose and lactic acid more efficiently, which in turn will improve metabolism and support performance and recovery.
Epsom salt home remedies
- Pain from arthritis
- Pain from swelling
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Fibromyalgia
- Ingrown nails
- Insomnia
- Psoriasis
- Post exercise muscle soreness
- Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy
- Pain and redness from Sunburns
How Epsom Salt Baths Work & How To Have A Soak
A simple 10 minute warm soak in 2-4 cups of Epsom salt once a week can: • decrease irritability and promote relaxation • improve sleep and concentration • improve body functions • soften and deodorize skin • relieve pain and tension And, it’s cheap!: having an Epsom salt bath regularly is super inexpensive and it can easily be found at your local pharmacy, drug store, or department store (in the pharmacy section). Now that you have more information and tools to improve and maintain your health, I encourage you to add Epsom salt to your weekly regimen and see how you feel. Happy soaking!
If you’re looking to find pain relief and the best Chiropractor in Oakville, then you are in the right place. You can easily book your appointment online to start finding relief today! Our clinic has won the Diamond award (1st place) for the 2022 Readers Choice Awards in the categories of Best Chiropractic Clinic and Best Chiropractor.
