If you love hot baths after a long day at work or school, you’ll love them even more with the addition of some Epsom salt! Before we get into all the benefits of this unique salt, let’s go over a bit of history first.
Epsom salt originates from a bitter saline spring at Epsom (where it gets its name) in Surrey, England, where it was first distilled from water. It differs from other salts because it contains magnesium and sulfate in its mineral makeup.
It has a variety of uses ranging from health and beauty to household cleaners and even gardening. Most commonly, people use it to relax their muscles and get rid of pain. However, we’ll go over a few other benefits of this amazing form of salt as well.
Here’S What Happens When You Use Epsom Salts Regularly:
1. Boosts Magnesium Levels
Most importantly and perhaps obviously, Epsom salts can boost magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium provides important benefits for humans, including aiding in muscle control, electrical impulses and eliminating toxins. However, it should be noted that, despite claims of people absorbing magnesium in Epsom salt baths, there is currently no research indicating that this is true.
In order to boost magnesium levels in the body, the Epsom salt needs to pass through your gastrointestinal tract. Even then, not all of the magnesium will get absorbed; this is highly variable and depends on factors such as body magnesium levels and the source of magnesium.
You can add a bit of Morton’s Epsom salt to a glass of water and increase your magnesium levels that way. However, make sure to pay close attention to the serving size, as a magnesium overdose can be just as harmful as a deficiency.
2. Lowers Stress
Another well-known benefit of Epsom salt is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Combine that with a nice soak in a hot bath, and you’ll be in absolute heaven.
According to research from the University of North Carolina, magnesium deficiency can make us more vulnerable to stress reactions. Another study showed that magnesium can reverse this reaction and lower stress levels, which makes Epsom salt all the more appealing. Magnesium helps with the production of energy in cells, so adding Epsom salt to your bath or taking it orally can help you feel refreshed and de-stressed.
3. Relieves Constipation
Epsom salt has been FDA-approved as a natural laxative, so it can help with constipation and bloating. Epsom salt helps to increase water in the intestines and flushes waste from the colon. A review of studies published in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology found that Epsom salt “has potent laxative effect in vitro through the release of digestive hormones and neurotransmitters.”
To take Epsom salt orally, mix in one serving with eight ounces of water. You can add lemon or other fresh fruit slices to your liking.
4. Reduces Pain & Inflammation
One of the most common benefits and uses for Epsom salt is its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. It can also help to heal cuts and reduce swelling, and some people have reported that it helps relieve headaches and migraines as well.
Overall, increased magnesium levels from Epsom salt can help with inflammation since low magnesium has been linked with higher C-reactive protein (CRP), one of the main indicators of inflammation in the body.
5. Improves Blood Sugar Levels
By supplementing with magnesium from Epsom salt, you can lower your risk of diabetes and help your body more effectively produce and utilize insulin. Regular use of Epsom salts can help lower blood sugar and increase your energy. Studies have shown that men and women who get the daily recommended amount of magnesium have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so Epsom salt can certainly help in this regard.
6. Flushes Toxins From The Body
Epsom salt can additionally help to eliminate harmful agents from the body due to the sulfates in its mineral makeup. To allow the salt to draw toxins and heavy metals from your body, either soak in an Epsom salt bath for about 40 minutes or add a serving to your water in the morning. You’ll feel rejuvenated and energetic in no time once you start adding Epsom salt to your daily routine!
Final thoughts
Epsom salt has the potential to be incredibly healing for the body, because magnesium is one of the most important minerals we need to function properly. However, keep the dosage in mind if you’re taking it orally, and if you’re using it in your baths, our only advice is to sit back, relax, and enjoy!
