Epsom salt side effects. Epsom Salt: Benefits, Uses, and Potential Side Effects Explained

14.05.202121.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the benefits of Epsom salt baths. How can Epsom salt improve exercise performance. Is Epsom salt effective for pain relief. Can Epsom salt help with stress relief. How does Epsom salt treat constipation.

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Understanding Epsom Salt: Composition and General Uses

Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. Its name originates from the town of Epsom in England, where it was first discovered. Despite its name, Epsom salt is not actually salt in the traditional sense, but rather a combination of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

People commonly use Epsom salt in various ways:

Bath soaks for relaxation and potential health benefits
Oral consumption for its laxative effects
Gardening applications to improve soil conditions
Beauty treatments for exfoliation and hair care

While Epsom salt is widely available and used for multiple purposes, it’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially approved it for medicinal use. However, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention has independently evaluated Epsom salt products, so consumers should look for the USP label when purchasing.

The Therapeutic Potential of Epsom Salt Baths

One of the most popular uses of Epsom salt is in bath soaks. Many people believe that soaking in an Epsom salt bath can provide various health benefits. To prepare an Epsom salt bath:

Use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard-size bathtub
Pour the Epsom salt into warm running water
Soak for 15-30 minutes, or up to 1 hour

For an enhanced relaxation experience, consider adding essential oils such as lavender, rose, bergamot, jasmine, or eucalyptus to your bath. These aromatherapy additions may contribute to stress relief and improved sleep quality.

Potential Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

Muscle relaxation and pain relief
Reduced inflammation
Stress reduction
Improved skin hydration
Better sleep quality

While many people report positive effects from Epsom salt baths, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting these benefits is limited and sometimes conflicting. More research is needed to conclusively determine the extent of Epsom salt’s therapeutic effects through topical absorption.

Epsom Salt and Exercise Performance: A Potential Boost

Can Epsom salt improve athletic performance? Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts use magnesium, a key component of Epsom salt, as a supplement to enhance their exercise routines. The potential benefits of magnesium in relation to exercise include:

Improved muscle function
Enhanced energy production
Faster lactic acid removal
Reduced recovery time

A small 2015 study involving 13 athletes found that short-term magnesium supplementation was associated with improved bench-press performance. Additionally, a 2014 animal study showed that rats treated with magnesium sulfate before exercise had higher glucose levels during physical activity and cleared lactic acid faster during recovery.

While these studies suggest potential benefits, it’s crucial to remember that more extensive human trials are necessary to establish definitive conclusions about Epsom salt’s effects on exercise performance. Athletes considering magnesium supplementation should consult with a healthcare professional or sports nutritionist for personalized advice.

Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction with Epsom Salt

Many individuals turn to Epsom salt as a natural remedy for pain relief and inflammation reduction. The magnesium in Epsom salt is thought to play a role in these potential benefits. How might Epsom salt help with pain and inflammation?

Magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps and chronic inflammation
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath may help soothe sore muscles
The warm water combined with Epsom salt could promote blood circulation, potentially reducing inflammation

It’s important to note that while many people report pain relief after using Epsom salt, the scientific evidence directly linking Epsom salt to these effects is limited. The warm water of the bath itself may contribute significantly to the perceived benefits.

Individuals with certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may have difficulty absorbing magnesium. In these cases, topical application through an Epsom salt bath might be a gentler alternative to oral supplements, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before using Epsom salt for medicinal purposes.

Stress Relief and Relaxation: Epsom Salt’s Calming Effects

In today’s fast-paced world, stress relief is a top priority for many individuals. Epsom salt baths have gained popularity as a natural method for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. But how does Epsom salt contribute to stress relief?

Magnesium, a key component of Epsom salt, plays a crucial role in the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers are responsible for regulating various aspects of our daily life, including:

Sleep patterns
Mood regulation
Concentration and focus
Stress response

A 2017 review published in the journal Nutrients suggested that low magnesium levels could negatively impact sleep quality and stress coping abilities. By taking an Epsom salt bath, some believe that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to improved relaxation and stress relief.

However, it’s important to note that scientific studies on the effectiveness of transdermal magnesium absorption through Epsom salt baths have produced mixed results. The relaxation benefits experienced by many users might also be attributed to the overall calming effect of a warm bath, regardless of the presence of Epsom salt.

Enhancing Relaxation with Epsom Salt Baths

To potentially maximize the stress-relieving effects of an Epsom salt bath, consider the following tips:

Create a peaceful environment with dim lighting and soft music
Add a few drops of calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile
Practice deep breathing or meditation while soaking
Maintain a comfortable water temperature (not too hot)
Limit bath time to 15-30 minutes to prevent dehydration

While more research is needed to conclusively determine the stress-relieving properties of Epsom salt, many individuals find the practice of taking a warm, mineral-rich bath to be inherently relaxing and beneficial for their overall well-being.

Epsom Salt as a Natural Laxative: Uses and Precautions

One of the most well-known uses of Epsom salt is as a natural laxative to relieve constipation. When consumed orally, Epsom salt can have a powerful effect on the digestive system. How does Epsom salt work as a laxative?

It draws water into the intestines, softening stool and promoting bowel movements
The magnesium in Epsom salt can help relax the intestinal muscles, facilitating easier passage of stool

To use Epsom salt as a laxative, adults typically mix 2-6 teaspoons of Epsom salt with 8 ounces of water and drink the solution. However, it’s crucial to note that there are no official guidelines for dosage, as the FDA has not approved Epsom salt for this purpose.

Important Precautions for Oral Consumption

While many people find Epsom salt effective for constipation relief, it’s not suitable for everyone. The following groups should avoid consuming Epsom salt orally:

Individuals with kidney disease
People with heart disease
Pregnant women
Children

It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using Epsom salt as a laxative, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications that could interact with magnesium.

When used in small doses, most people do not experience significant side effects from drinking Epsom salt. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and be aware of potential adverse reactions such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations of Epsom Salt

While Epsom salt is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and safety considerations. What are some possible adverse effects of using Epsom salt?

Topical Use (Baths)

Skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Dehydration if bath water is too hot or soaking time is too long
Dry skin if used excessively

Oral Consumption

Diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Electrolyte imbalances if overused
Magnesium toxicity in individuals with impaired kidney function

It’s crucial to follow recommended usage guidelines and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, be aware of the following safety considerations:

Store Epsom salt out of reach of children and pets
Do not use Epsom salt baths if you have open wounds or severe skin conditions without medical approval
Avoid consuming Epsom salt orally if you are pregnant, have kidney problems, or are taking certain medications
If you experience any unusual symptoms after using Epsom salt, discontinue use and seek medical advice

While many people enjoy the potential benefits of Epsom salt, it’s essential to use it responsibly and be mindful of your body’s reactions. If you have any doubts about whether Epsom salt is suitable for you, always err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

Alternative Uses for Epsom Salt: Beyond Health and Wellness

While Epsom salt is primarily known for its potential health and wellness applications, it has a variety of other uses that extend beyond the bathroom and medicine cabinet. What are some alternative applications for Epsom salt?

Gardening and Plant Care

Epsom salt can be beneficial for plants and gardens in several ways:

As a fertilizer to promote greener foliage and bushier plants
To improve seed germination
To treat magnesium deficiency in plants
As a natural pest deterrent for certain insects

Household Cleaning

Epsom salt’s abrasive texture makes it useful for various cleaning tasks:

Scrubbing tiles and grout
Cleaning outdoor furniture
Removing soap scum from shower doors
As a natural fabric softener in laundry

Beauty and Skincare

Beyond bath soaks, Epsom salt can be used in beauty routines:

As an exfoliant for face and body scrubs
To create a volumizing hair treatment
For softening rough, callused feet
As a base for homemade bath bombs

Crafts and DIY Projects

Epsom salt’s crystal-like appearance lends itself to creative applications:

Creating faux snow for holiday decorations
Making crystal-encrusted vases or candle holders
As a medium for growing salt crystals in science experiments

These alternative uses showcase the versatility of Epsom salt beyond its traditional health applications. Whether you’re looking to improve your garden, enhance your cleaning routine, or get creative with DIY projects, Epsom salt offers a range of possibilities.

As with any new use, it’s advisable to research specific applications and start with small quantities to ensure desired results without unintended consequences. The multifaceted nature of Epsom salt makes it a valuable addition to many households, offering benefits that extend far beyond its reputation as a bath additive or natural remedy.

Benefits, baths, other uses, and side effects

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How to take an Epsom salt bath

If a person is unsure about how to use Epsom salts in their bath, they can follow these steps:

Use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard-size bathtub.
Pour the Epsom salt into warm running water.
Soak in an Epsom salt bath for 15–30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

A person may consider adding the following essential oils to help them relax and get to sleep:

lavender
rose
bergamot
jasmine
eucalyptus

Drinking Epsom salt

If a person drinks Epsom salt, they could experience a laxative effect, which may help relieve constipation.

Adults should combine 2–6 teaspoons (tsp) of Epsom salt with 8 ounces of water and then drink.

When people drink small doses of Epsom salt, they may not experience any side effects. However, there is not enough evidence supporting its use for treating any health conditions other than constipation.

Learn more about using Epsom salt to relieve constipation here.

A person with any underlying medical condition should speak to their doctor before trying Epsom salt. People living with kidney disease must not consume Epsom salt.

Magnesium from oral supplements or an Epsom salt bath may provide the following health benefits:

Improving exercise performance and recovery

Some people take magnesium before a workout. This may help remove the lactic acid that builds up in muscles during exercise and improve future performance.

In a small 2015 study, researchers found short-term magnesium supplementation was associated with improved bench-press performance among 13 athletes.

When a person takes magnesium after a workout, it may also reduce recovery time and prevent muscle soreness. In a 2014 animal study, researchers treated rats with either magnesium sulfate or saline before placing them on a treadmill.

The rats that received magnesium sulfate had higher glucose levels during exercise and cleared lactic acid faster during recovery.

Pain relief

People who do not have enough magnesium may experience painful muscle cramps and chronic inflammation. Underlying health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may also affect magnesium absorption.

An Epsom salt bath may help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. However, experts are unclear whether Epsom salt is directly responsible for these effects.

Stress relief

Magnesium contributes to the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transport signals between neurons, or nerve cells. These chemical messengers impact every aspect of daily life, including sleep, mood, and concentration.

According to a 2017 review in the journal Nutrients, having low levels of magnesium could harm a person’s quality of sleep and ability to cope with stress.

If a person takes an Epsom salt bath, it may help their skin absorb magnesium, which could relieve stress and promote relaxation. But, other studies investigating this show conflicting results.

Treating constipation

For many people, drinking Epsom salt is generally safe. However, those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children should not consume it. A person should speak with their doctor if they are unsure about drinking Epsom salt.

People can use Epsom salt as a laxative to treat constipation. This treatment method involves dissolving a small amount of Epsom salt in water and drinking the mixture.

People may not experience any side effects after taking an Epsom salt bath. However, people with sensitive skin could develop a skin rash or contact dermatitis.

The following people should avoid consuming Epsom salt orally as they may experience unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects:

people who are pregnant
people who have kidney disease
people who have heart disease
children

If a person drinks Epsom salt, they may experience the following side effects:

dizziness or fainting
upset stomach
diarrhea
blurry vision
changes in bladder habits
irregular heartbeat
difficulty breathing
muscle weakness
extreme fatigue

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring compound that contains magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It has a crystalline structure similar to that of common table salt, or sodium chloride.

Epsom salt is unlike table salt as it tastes bitter and is not a suitable ingredient for cooking. People use Epsom salt for its supposed healing and detoxifying properties.

The theory suggests that dissolving Epsom salt in water helps the skin absorb magnesium ions. These regulate numerous essential bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure, and inflammation.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claims that the body absorbs magnesium ions through the skin. Scientists need to perform more in-depth studies to confirm the effectiveness of using Epsom salt to treat various ailments.

Some research suggests the skin may absorb magnesium and sulfate ions dissolved in water. The authors of one 2017 review article cited several studies with conflicting results about whether or not magnesium can pass through the skin barrier.

While magnesium transporters carry magnesium ions across cellular membranes, the outermost layer of the skin consists of dead cells that do not have these transporters.

The authors also claim that magnesium ions are nearly 400 times larger when hydrated, making it almost impossible for them to penetrate the skin.

However, in a 2016 study, researchers found that magnesium can pass through the outer layer of skin. They also reported that the concentration of magnesium and the length of exposure directly affects how much magnesium the skin can absorb.

Scientists need to conduct further research to confirm the health benefits of magnesium products, specifically Epsom salt.

Epsom salt is a natural remedy that may help relieve muscle pain, inflammation, and constipation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims.

Epsom salt is generally safe for most adults and children. However, certain people should avoid drinking Epsom salt solutions. Consuming Epsom salt can lead to side effects, including diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness.

Epsom salt is available to purchase in stores and online.

Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Epsom salt can be used as a supplement, bath salt, or beauty product. It’s also associated with very few side effects and may offer several potential health benefits.

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments.

People use it to ease health problems, such as muscle soreness and stress. It’s also affordable, easy to use, and harmless when used appropriately.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Epsom salt, including its benefits, uses, and side effects.

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable.

Some people still consume it by dissolving the salt in water and drinking it. However, due to its taste, you probably don’t want to add it to food.

For hundreds of years, this salt has been used to treat ailments, such as electrolyte abnormalities, constipation, and eclampsia. Unfortunately, its effects on many other conditions are not well researched (1).

Most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium, a mineral that a lot of people do not get enough of (2).

You can find Epsom salt online and at most drug and grocery stores. It’s typically located in the pharmacy or cosmetic area.

Summary
Epsom salt — otherwise known as bath salt or magnesium sulfate — is a mineral compound believed to have many health benefits.

When Epsom salt is dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions.

The idea is that these particles can be absorbed through your skin, providing you with magnesium and sulfates — which serve important bodily functions.

Despite claims on the contrary, there is no good evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into your body through the skin (3).

Yet the most common use for Epsom salt is in baths, where it is simply dissolved in bathwater.

It can also be applied to your skin as a cosmetic or taken by mouth as a laxative or magnesium supplement. However, because of its laxative effects, it might not be an ideal choice as a magnesium supplement if your goal is to prevent deficiency (4).

Summary
Epsom salt dissolves in water and can be added to baths or used as a cosmetic. However, there is no evidence that your body can absorb its minerals through the skin.

Many people, including some healthcare professionals, claim Epsom salt is therapeutic and use it as an alternative treatment for several conditions.

Provides magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, the first being calcium (5).

It is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions that benefit your heart and nervous system (5).

Still, many people do not consume enough magnesium (2).

While magnesium sulfate can be used as a magnesium supplement, some people claim that magnesium may be better absorbed via Epsom salt baths than when taken by mouth.

However, this claim is not based on any available evidence and research shows that magnesium sulfate is very poorly absorbed, even when taken orally (6).

Proponents of this theory point to an unpublished study in 19 healthy people. The researchers claimed that all but three of the participants showed higher blood magnesium levels after soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

However, no statistical tests were performed and the study lacked a control group (7).

Some other studies have also evaluated the effects of Epsom salt baths on blood magnesium levels, but these studies have turned up conflicting results and are of questionable quality (3).

Therefore, while it may be possible for magnesium to be absorbed through the skin, more large, high quality studies are needed (3).

Promotes sleep and stress reduction

Adequate magnesium levels are essential for sleep and stress management, likely because magnesium helps your brain produce neurotransmitters that induce sleep and reduce stress (8, 9).

Low magnesium levels may negatively affect sleep quality and stress. Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reverse these issues by allowing your body to absorb magnesium through the skin. However, this hasn’t been scientifically proven.

It’s also possible that the calming effects of Epsom salt baths are simply due to the relaxation caused by taking hot baths.

Helps with constipation

Magnesium is often used to treat constipation.

It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements (10).

Most often, magnesium is taken by mouth for constipation relief in the form of magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, or magnesium oxide (11).

Taking Epsom salt may also be effective, although it is not as well-studied as other forms. Nevertheless, the FDA lists it as an approved laxative (4, 12).

It can be taken by mouth with water according to the directions on the package.

You should also know that consuming Epsom salt may produce unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and liquid stool (13).

It should only be used occasionally as a laxative, not for long-term relief.

Exercise performance and recovery

Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps — both important factors for exercise performance and recovery.

It is well known that adequate magnesium levels are helpful for exercise because magnesium helps increase the availability of glucose in the blood, muscles, and brain while reducing the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles (14).

While relaxing in a hot bath may help soothe aching muscles, there is no high quality evidence that people absorb bathwater magnesium through their skin (3).

On the other hand, oral supplements can effectively stave off magnesium insufficiency or deficiency.

Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels (15).

While magnesium is clearly important for exercise, the use of bath salt to enhance fitness is not well researched. At this point, the supposed benefits are purely anecdotal.

Reduced pain and swelling

Another common claim is that Epsom salt helps reduce pain and swelling.

Many people report that taking Epsom salt baths improves symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Again, the magnesium is deemed responsible for these effects, since many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in this mineral (16, 17).

One 2015 study in 15 women with fibromyalgia concluded that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be beneficial for reducing symptoms (18).

However, this study was based on questionnaires and lacked a control group. Its results should be taken with a grain of salt.

Summary
Most of the purported benefits of Epsom bath salts are anecdotal. On the other hand, oral magnesium supplements may benefit sleep, stress, digestion, exercise, and pain in people who are deficient.

While Epsom salt is generally safe, there are a few negative effects that can occur when you take it by mouth.

First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative effect. Consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach (4, 13).

If you use it as a laxative, make sure to drink plenty of water, which may reduce digestive discomfort. Furthermore, never take more than the recommended dosage without first consulting a doctor.

In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, altered mental status, and death. This is unlikely as long as you take it in appropriate amounts as recommended by a doctor or listed on the package (19, 20).

Contact a doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects.

Summary
The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can produce side effects when taken by mouth. You can prevent these by using it correctly and talking with a doctor before increasing your dosage.

Here are a few of the most common ways to use Epsom salt.

Bath

The most common use is taking what’s called an Epsom salt bath.

To do this, add 2 cups, or about 475 grams (g), of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub and soak your body for at least 15 minutes.

You can also put the Epsom salt under running water if you want it to dissolve more quickly.

While hot baths can be relaxing, there is currently no good evidence for the benefits of an Epsom salt bath in itself.

Beauty

Epsom salt may be used as a beauty product for skin and hair. To use it as an exfoliant, just place some in your hand, dampen it and massage it into your skin.

Some people claim it’s a useful addition to facial wash, since it may help cleanse pores.

Just a 1/2 teaspoon (tsp), or 2.5 g, will do the trick. Simply combine it with your own cleansing cream and massage onto the skin.

It can also be added to conditioner and may help add volume to your hair. For this effect, combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. Work the mixture through your hair and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.

These uses are entirely anecdotal and unsupported by any studies. Remember that it works differently for everyone and that you may not experience the reported benefits.

Laxative

Epsom salt can be taken by mouth as a magnesium supplement or as a laxative.

Though there are no official guidelines for how much you should take, many brands recommend taking 2–6 tsp (10–30 g) per day, dissolved in water, as a maximum for adults, or around 1–2 tsp (5–10 g) for children.

Consult with a doctor if you need a more individualized dosage or if you want to increase the dose to more than what is listed on the package.

Unless you have the consent of a doctor, never ingest more than the upper limit of intake stated on the package. Taking more than you need could lead to magnesium sulfate poisoning.

If you want to begin taking Epsom salt by mouth, start slowly and gradually increase the dose as needed.

Remember that everyone’s magnesium needs are different. You may need more or less than the recommended dose, depending on how your body reacts and what exactly you are using it for.

Additionally, when consuming Epsom salt, make sure to use pure, supplement-grade Epsom salt that does not have any added scents or coloring.

Summary
Epsom salt can be dissolved in baths and used as a beauty product. It can also be consumed with water as a magnesium supplement or laxative.

Epsom salt may be helpful for easing constipation when taken as a supplement. It can also be used as a beauty product or bath salt.

There isn’t a lot of evidence to support all of its reported benefits. Its positive effects are mostly anecdotal at this point, and more research is needed on its functions.

However, Epsom salt is generally safe and easy to use.

how and why to use Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a popular remedy for many ailments. It can be used to alleviate health problems, as well as in beauty treatments. Here’s why you should stock up on Epsom salt.

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Epsom salt is a real trend in the field of beauty and wellness, and the scope of its application is truly impressive.

Contents of the article

Epsom salt is an affordable and harmless product for relieving muscle pain, relieving stress and even losing weight. We looked at all the nuances of using Epsom, as well as the pros, cons and side effects of this tool to improve well-being.

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. It takes its name from Epsom, Surrey, UK, where it was originally discovered.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than regular salt. Most likely, it was called salt only because of its chemical structure.

Epsom looks like table salt. Because of this, it is often used during water procedures and is called bath salt. In fact, Epsom salts are quite bitter and unpleasant in taste. However, some people still take it internally, dissolving it in water and drinking it. However, due to the taste, despite all the benefits, it is impossible to use Epsom salt in cooking.

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Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments such as constipation, insomnia and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effect on these conditions is not well understood.

Most of the claimed benefits of Epsom salts are due to their magnesium content, a mineral that many of us don’t get enough of.

Have you heard about the benefits of Epsom salts before?

How does Epsom salt work?

When Epsom salt dissolves in water, magnesium and sulfate ions are released. It is believed that these particles can be absorbed through the skin, providing the body with magnesium and sulfates that perform important bodily functions. But nevertheless, at the moment, scientists do not have convincing evidence that magnesium or sulfates are absorbed into the body through the skin.

Most often, this salt is used during bathing: a large amount of it (about 400-500 grams) must be dissolved in warm water. Sometimes a concentrated solution of Epsom salts is applied to the skin as a cosmetic and taken orally as a magnesium supplement or in larger quantities as a laxative.

Epsom salt proven health benefits

Epsom salt is believed to have therapeutic properties. Because of this, a number of medical professionals (most often followers of non-traditional teachings) use Epsom salt as an alternative remedy for treating diseases.

Epsom salt provides the body with magnesium

Magnesium is considered the fourth most important mineral in the body. It is involved in over 325 biochemical reactions that benefit the heart and nervous system.

Many people do not get enough magnesium. Even if you monitor the level of this component, metabolic processes can affect how magnesium is absorbed by the body. In addition, some experts claim that while taking a bath, magnesium is absorbed better than if taken orally, but this fact does not have widely known evidence.

Promotes quality sleep and stress reduction

Adequate levels of magnesium in the body are needed to improve sleep and reduce stress, probably because magnesium helps the brain produce neurotransmitters that improve these factors. Magnesium also helps produce the “sleep hormone” melatonin.

Low magnesium levels can negatively affect sleep quality and stress levels. But in the case of Epsom salts, it is more likely that the calming effect is due simply to the relaxation caused by taking hot baths.