Epsom Salts are the new Black

If you need a good reason to tune out from the world, take a half hour bath and not feel guilty about it, read below. Having an Epsom salt bath a couple of times a week could do you more good than you know.

So you've probalby all heard of Epsom Salts, most commonly probably Epsom salt baths, but until now have had no idea what they were or why they were apparently so good for you. I didn't either until I started going to the gym and when my muscles were sore started taking Epsom salt baths to help me recover.

Let's start with what exactly are Epsom salts and why would you want to put salts in a bath?? (among the many uses for them).

Epsom salts, otherwise known as Magnesium Sulphate, gets its name after a bitter spring from the town of Epsom, Surrey in England and is surprisingly not actually a salt but a mineral compound composed of Magnesium, Sulfur and Oxygen.

Studies have shown that both the macro minerals Magnesium and Sulfate can be readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths one of the easiest ways to enjoy the many health benefits. The mineral Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, bone functioning, development and repair, helping muscle and nerve function and preventing arteries from hardening. Sulfates on the other hand helps to improve the absorption of nutrients, rid the body of toxins and aids in the relief of migraine headaches.

There are a number of health benefits of Epsom Salts , to name a few include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back and muscle pain, healing cuts and bruises, treating colds and drawing toxins from the body.

Below are a few of these outlined in more detail.

Eases stress and relaxes the body

Physical, mental and emotional stress drains the body of Magnesium and increases the levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salts are absorbed through the skin and help to renews the level of Magnesium within the body. The Magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical which helps creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that bathing with Epsom salts will help you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly. So if you're having trouble falling to sleep have an Epsom salt bath right before bed as it will get your body relaxed and in the state for sleep.

Relieves pain and muscle cramps

Due to the Magnesium, Epsom salt baths are known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches.

Helps muscles and nerves function properly

Studies have proven that Epsom salt can help regulate and renew electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscular and nervous systems and enzymes.

Helps in Bone Strength and Bone Mineral Density

Magnesium is also critical in the bodys ability to absorb calcium. Adequate Calcium is critical in maintainin proper Bone mineral density, functioning and reducing your chance of Osteoporosis, whilst also being a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.

Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom salts are believed to improve heart health and help prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Makes insulin more effective

Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness and regulation of insulin in the body, and can help to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.

Eliminates toxins from the body

The sulfates in Epsom salts help to flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it.