Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths (Page 2)

Another factor in decreased magnesium levels has been our focus on getting enough calcium. It’s a delicate dance–calcium depletes magnesium yet calcium functions best when enough magnesium is present. Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without enough magnesium can increase the shortage of both nutrients. Researchers have found that many Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies, although the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is two to one.

With such widespread magnesium deficiency one might think that magnesium supplements would be called upon, but studies show that magnesium is not easily absorbed through the digestive tract. The presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and the chemistry of a person’s stomach acid can render magnesium supplements ineffective.

This brings us to Epsom salt. Known scientifically as hydrated magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental contaminants.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sandi O.

3:29PM PDT on May 8, 2013

Thanx...who knew? is right! I'm going for one right now...

May 8
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Krista R.

7:45PM PDT on May 4, 2013

had an epsom salt bath this morning! :-) Thanks for the info/reminder of the benefits.

May 4
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Betty C.

12:25PM PST on Dec 3, 2012

Something so simple to help us with our health in our complicated & busy lives.

December 3
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Gabriella B.

4:41PM PST on Nov 30, 2012

Highly recommend, as I have to all my friends - some of whom actually use it

November 30
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4:39PM PST on Nov 30, 2012

Yes, I take at least 2x epsom salt baths a week, sleep better, ditch sore muscles, have really soft skin and generally feel much better.

hari p.

12:11PM PDT on Oct 2, 2012

Thanks!

October 2
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Teddy T.

1:38PM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

Martin S.
What about this? According to the Epsom Salt Council, a certain amount of magnesium in Epsom salt is readily absorbed through the skin. Supporting this statement is a 2004 study conducted by the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham, which measured the magnesium status of participants before and after taking baths containing dissolved Epsom salt. From the results, researchers concluded that prolonged soaking in an Epsom salt bath indeed raises magnesium levels, and without any adverse effects. The ideal concentration for using Epsom salt baths to raise magnesium status, according to the study, is approximately 500 g, or 2 cups, of Epsom salt dissolved in about 15 gallons of water -- the amount that can fit in a standard-sized bathtub. Ideal amount of time spent soaking is 12 minutes two to three times per week.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/444622-can-you-absorb-magnesium-from-epsom-salt/#ixzz20ot4J5OL

July 16
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Sarah G.

9:00AM PDT on Jul 3, 2012

I've shared a link to this article about 20 different times in the past few days. Thanks for writing such an interesting and informative article about something so simple and natural! sarahlmt.com