5 Reasons Why You Should Add Epsom Salt To Your Bath

You've probably heard of an athlete using Epsom salt for sore muscles after a big game. But Epsom salt baths aren't just for athletes. They have some amazing health benefits that make them the perfect addition to your weekly routine. Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant and an anti-inflammatory. It can be used to treat sore muscles, along with dry skin and various health issues. Adding this salt to your next bath can give you an at-home spa experience, allowing you to relax while soaking up some major health benefits!

Here's why you should start adding Epsom salt to your baths:

1. It Reduces Stress

Many people take a warm bath at night to de-stress. Adding Epsom salt to your bath can help amplify the stress-reducing benefits of your soak. The magnesium in this salt will naturally relax your muscles. Studies have shown that magnesium salts such as Epsom salt can reduce stress levels.

2. It Boosts Your Magnesium Levels

Magnesium deficiencies are very common. Low magnesium levels can cause many problems, including muscle cramps, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms. Magnesium regulates over 300 enzymes in the body. It plays a vital role in many bodily functions. Therefore, Epsom salt baths can naturally increase your internal levels of magnesium, helping to ward off many avoidable health problems.

3. It Reduces Pain And Inflammation

A warm Epsom salt bath can ease pain related to inflammation. It can be used as a natural treatment for bronchial asthma, sore muscles, and headaches. This unique salt can also help heal cuts and reduce swelling caused by sprains and bruises. If you suffer from inflammation of your muscles or joints, Epsom salt baths can help.

4. It Eliminates Toxins

The sulfates in Epsom salt aid the body in flushing out toxins. They provide a heavy metal detox and lower the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. Using it in your bath actually pulls salt out of your body, while pulling harmful toxins out along with it.

5. It Improves Blood Sugar Levels

The magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt can help improve the body's ability to produce and utilize insulin. Regularly using this particular salt can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes. Studies show that a healthy intake of magnesium is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

How To Take An Epsom Salt Bath

When taking an Epsom salt bath, you'll want to soak your entire body for at least 20 minutes. Pour 1-2 cups of this salt into a bath of warm water. You can add 1/2 cup of olive oil or baby oil to the bath to moisturize your skin. Remember not to use soap in the bath, as it can interfere with the action of the Epsom salts. If you prefer to soak your feet instead, add 1/2 cup of this salt to a large pan of warm water for a 20-minute foot bath. Check out these other detox bath recipes!

Check out the video below for more information:

Sources: Healthy Holistic Living NCBI National Institutes of Health Dr. Axe Clinical Nutrition Sea Salt