subject: What Is The Deal With Epsom Salt [print this page] Soaking in Magnesium sulfate or as we know it, Epsom salt is good for the muscles since it helps the muscles lengthen and relax. You may ask What is the importance of magnesium?! How does Epsom salt benefit me outside of the tub? Do I have to worry about too much magnesium/Epsom salt?
Did you know Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body? 40-50% of it is found in your bones! Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients and flush toxins. It also steadies the heart rhythm, works with calcium to keep bones strong and regulates the transmission of nerve impulses.
As far as Epsom salt goes recent studies have shown that Epsom salt soaks are good for the management of severe asthma attacks and that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Soaking can help ease migraine headaches and maintain muscle and nerve function. Epsom salt can be used in hot or cold tub soak, hot is recommended in winter.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body. With regard to skeletal muscle, one may experience twitches, cramps, muscle tension, muscle soreness, including back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and jaw joint (or TMJ) dysfunction. Also, one may experience chest tightness or a peculiar sensation that they can't take a deep breath. Sometimes a person may sigh a lot.
Although extremely rare and not likely to happen, an overdose of magnesium (orally) can cause hypoglycemia but only if you have or had kidney failure or are taking an antacid, laxative or high dose magnesium supplement. The only contraindication is when soaking do not make water too hot where you can not sit in it. Combine an Epsom salt routine with a chiropractor and a massage therapist you have the formula for success. That is the deal.
