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Loading...Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths
- Melissa Breyer
- November 14, 2011
- 3:02 pm
- 451 comments
Most of us know about the importance of iron and calcium for our bodies, but what about magnesium? It is the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body. It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.
Most of us are deficient in magnesium, so I’m going to put on my wise-granny hat on here and tell you this: soaking in a bath with Epsom salt, which is high in magnesium, is one of the easiest ways to get a boost.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, American’s magnesium deficiency helps to account for high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments. Who knew?!
Our magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. Industrial farming has depleted magnesium from soil and the typical American diet contains much less magnesium than that of our forefathers. And in fact, the modern American diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies.
Read more: Arthritis, Bath & Shower, Health, Natural Remedies, Osteoporosis, bath, epsom salt, magnesium
Melissa Breyer
Melissa Breyer is the Senior Editor for Healthy Living. She is a writer and editor with a background in sustainable living, specializing in food, science and design. She is the co-author of True Food (National Geographic) and has edited and written for regional and international books and periodicals, including The New York Times Magazine. Melissa lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
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451 comments
+ add your ownWow, didn't know there was so much more benefits to Epsom salt in a bath than just relaxation!
I have recently started taking Epsom Salt baths three times a week as suggested and so far can say that the knee pain I had been suffering from has completely gone and I seem to be sleeping better. My skin has also improved. I had no idea it could have so many other benefits though so a very informative article which just reinforces my intention to continue using Epsom Salts. Thanks
After each massage my clients take Epson salt bath, amazing results, thx
Awesome - thank you so much !
A warm bath sounds good right now, but to conserve on water, I only take showers.
Good old Epson Salts - love them for my achy feet..
-Holly
Good old Epson Salts - love them for my achy feet..
-Holly
I think I have some epsom salts under the sink.
Thank you for the very detailed info.
I take epsom salt baths almost daily. It's great to read the actual benefits though
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