Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths (Page 3)

Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:

Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
Improved oxygen use.
Improved absorption of nutrients.
Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

All this from a bath? Hurray! While there are many different brands of Epsom salt, they are all the same product chemically, and can be found at most drug stores. Add two cups of Epsom salt and soak for at least 12 minutes. Do this three times weekly.

If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, please check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.

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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