Epsom bath salts have many health benefits that are not only beneficial to your physical health, but your mental health as well. Epsom salts are a combination of magnesium and sulfate, both naturally occurring minerals and can easily be found at your local health food stores. It has been found that a whopping 68% of American adults consume less than their recommended amount of magnesium. For those who prefer taking showers, it may be hard at first to set aside the extra time to draw a bath and have a good soak. After your first few baths, it will seem like second nature and you will wonder why you did not do this much sooner.
1. They help you de-stress.
Stress at any level can deplete the body of magnesium, so it is important to replenish the body through methods like epsom bath salts. Adding this substance to warm water allows our bodies to easily soak up the magnesium through our skin. This mineral helps the body maintain a state of calm and also has a myriad of other benefits including reduced irritability, increased energy levels, deeper sleep and improved concentration levels.
2. They help rid your body of toxins.
The sulfate levels in epsom salts will help rid the body from any heavy metals or toxins. In the human body, sulfate is an important element that is common for detoxing the liver, normal pancreatic enzyme function, creation of brain tissue and normal neurotransmitter function and assuring proper joint lubrication.
3. They will help reduce muscle pain.
Epsom salts are known for their ability to decrease inflammation, making it a great solution to alleviate headaches (including the more serious migraines), gout or sore muscles. It has also been used widely for helping reduce the swelling that is a result of childbirth.
4. They will help soothe and nourish your skin.
From skin ailments like eczema to poison ivy, epsom salts can help heal your skin with its mineral-rich properties. It can also help keep skin smooth and prevent wrinkles.
5. They will help prevent clogged arteries.
The magnesium in epsom salt are important for maintaining healthy arteries and prevention of heart-related diseases. A study shows that Americans’ intake of magnesium has decreased by 50% in the last century causing many complications such as high blood pressure, hyperactivity and other heart illnesses. Without a healthy level of magnesium in the body, irregular heart beat, stiff arteries, high blood pressure, blood clots and muscle spasms are all common side effects.
6. They help ease the discomforts in pregnancy.
To help relieve pain from being pregnant, epsom salts are great for helping ease muscle tension, leg cramps, back pain and general aches and pains. Soaking in an epsom salt bath is perfectly safe for pregnant women and is a great way to nourish and replenish depleted levels of sulfate and magnesium.
7. They help with hemorrhoids.
For those who suffer from constipation and hemorrhoids, soaking in epsom salts is a much sought after relief. The anti-inflammatory nature of this substance can help in this situation and the combination of warm water and salts can relax your anal sphincter, allowing the entire rectal area to feel much better.
8. They help make insulin more productive.
For those individuals who suffer from high blood sugar, the magnesium and sulfate in the epsom salts make the insulin in your body more effective and thus decreasing the risk of getting illnesses that are related to elevated blood sugar, such as diabetes or hyperglycemia. If you do have diabetes consult your doctor to make sure that epsom salts are safe for your condition, since everyone’s situation is different.
Featured photo credit: Toes by Basheer Tome via Flickr via flickr.com
