Epsom Salt Detox

Every day of our existence we are exposed to toxins in one way or another, and that’s why some people have made it a part of their lifestyle to detoxify as much possible.

There are various ways to detoxify, but in this article, we will be focused on the Epsom salt detox.

What is an Epsom salt detox?

When people hear of salt detox, a couple of them assume that it is the same thing as pouring table salt into your bath water or bathtub. Salt detox baths are not made of table salt. Instead, they are made of Epsom salt. Salt detox baths allow for minerals to draw out toxins from your body.

Advocates for the use of salt detox baths have claimed that Epsom salt baths can eliminate harmful toxins from your body and even help to balance your body. Supporters may also tell you that it helps with relaxation, weight management, increased health, gaining relief from sore muscles.

Both Epsom salt and table salt make similar appearances, but while table salt is made from sodium, Epsom salt is a combination of sulphate and magnesium. Which means both salts are prepared from entirely different compounds.

Epsom salt has been in existence for a long time, but it was not until about 400 years ago that people began to use it. The use of Epsom salt started with a father who found out that the bitter water from his well had magical healing properties on injuries and skin rash.

As you read further, you will learn the benefits of Epsom salt and how to use it in your bath.

What are the benefits of an Epsom salt bath detox?

The most significant benefit of Epsom salt bath is magnesium absorption. However, more studies are required to prove that the human body can absorb magnesium through the skin.

A survey carried out in 2004 revealed that after the 19 participants had an Epson salt bath, there was a recorded increase in levels of sulphate and magnesium in their blood.

Some method and benefits of Epsom salt baths

Epsom Salt Detox

For softer skin, have a 20 minutes bath soak. How this works to soften your skin is to keep it hydrated, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier.

For muscle sore and pain, have a 12 minutes bath soak. How this works is by reducing muscle tension and ache, reducing inflammation, there is also moderate evidence that magnesium could alleviate cramps.

For relaxation and anti-stress, have an hour bath soak. Did you know that magnesium deficiency can induce anxiety, cause stress, and even depression? Which why it is possible for an Epsom salt bath to help relieve some stress. For use as a laxative, engage in a 20 minutes soak or ingest orally.

For adults: 10 to 30 grams
For children six years and older: 5 to 10 grams. If you must give a child below six Epsom salt orally, consult your doctor for quantity prescription. Typically within 30 minutes to 6 hours after dose bowl movement should become more comfortable.

For ingrown toenails, engage in a foot soak for 12 minutes. How it works is to reduce pain and inflammation.

For splinters, use Epsom salt paste. This salt paste can help draw out tiny splinters.

For magnesium balance, engage in 12 to 20 minutes soak. This might help to restore balance in magnesium levels and will be beneficial especially to those who are at risk for low levels, and those with fibromyalgia.

It is also possible that some of the above benefits are may be due to the hot temperature of the bath because heat helps with soreness, relaxation, and even aches.

How to make an Epsom salt detox bath?

Making and Epsom salt detox bath is straightforward. You can try any other method below.

1. If you will be using a standard-sized bathtub, use two cups full of Epsom salt in warm water but make sure the temperature of the water is never above 101.5 to 102° Fahrenheit.

2. Ensure to pour the Epsom salt under the water spout. The reason for this is to allow the salt to dissolve faster and also mix well with the water. The mixture should feel soapy once ready.

3. Soak in this bathtub for a minimum of 12 minutes or 20 minutes in a case of constipation. If you are a fan of aromatherapy, you can add a few drops of essential oils liked peppermint, lavender, or even tea tree. It wouldn’t hurt to take a few minutes to relax and enjoys private time in your detox water.

If you need to make smaller applications, you can make an Epsom salt paste by mixing a small quantity of Epsom salt with water and apply to the affected area. Epsom salt is advisable for purchase in food stores, online, and in some grocery stores.

Never use Epsom salt in jet pools, hot tubs, or tubs with jets unless the manufacturer indicates that it is OK.

Does Epsom salt work for weight loss?

There is currently no evidence that Epsom salt baths help can help you lose weight. But what we do know if that one hour of hot bath says most would help you burn around 126 calories.

That is almost the same as what a 30 minutes walk will do for you expect for the part where a step offers the added benefit of endurance and building physical strength. The available reports of weight loss are suspected to be as a result of sweating and shedding of water weight.

Experts have advised against orally taking Epsom salt for detoxification. Most of the weight loss you will experience when you drink Epsom salt mix will be water weight, and you will regain the weights quickly once you stop the oral detox.

Because Epsom salt is a laxative, you may experience diarrhoea when you consume it orally.

Side effects and risks of consuming Epsom salt

If you have any concerns about an Epsom salt bath, discuss it with your doctor. There is little or no risk of side effects when it comes to an Epsom salt bath.

Your body is not going to absorb too much magnesium using your skin as a channel. It is Sinai relatively safe to use an Epsom salt bath for infants and children, but you must take extra care to make sure that your child does not drink the bath water.

Children, people with kidney problems, and pregnant women should avoid oral ingestion of Epsom salt. If a person’s kidneys do not work as they should, there will be no way to eliminate excess magnesium effectively, and that will be putting the person at risk of some serious health complications.

The side effects of Epsom salt overdoses include

1. dizziness and fainting
2. blurred vision
3. slow heartbeat
4. lethargy
5. breathing problems
6. muscle weakness
7. increase and decrease in urination

It is rare to hear of side effects in people with normal kidney function. Make sure to see your doctor if you’d don’t get better or your symptoms continue.

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