Epsom Salt health benefits includes rapid recovery after workout, for treating foot pain, promoting digestion, fighting inflammation, for magnesium deficiency, for sunburn, enhancing the skin, supporting thick and long hair, reducing stress and anxiety, and controlling blood sugar levels.
Epsom Salt is a pretty versatile type of salt. You can incorporate it into meals to enhance flavor – and use it in a variety of different ways to improve your health and wellbeing or treat an ailment.
From muscles cramps to chronic constipation, this salt is a must-have salt for every household.
Moreover, it the ingredient has a slew of skincare benefits as well. Placing small portions of Epsom salt in every corner of your house will destroy germs and bacteria. It contains healing properties too. Additionally, Epsom salt comes in handy for chefs and medical users alike.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is different from a regular table or Himalayan salt. This salt contains maximum levels of magnesium which is an essential mineral. On the other hand, traditional salt is enriched with sodium.
The scientific name of Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Not to mention, Epsom salt could become an easy and inexpensive source to reap plenty of magnesium.
You can find two varieties of Epsom salt. One is to prepare meals, and other is for agriculture use. However, both types aren’t manufactured in similar conditions. Therefore, you need to stay vigilant when purchasing Epsom salt.
Nutritional Value of Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a storehouse of two components:
- Sulfate
- Magnesium
These minerals can benefit your overall health which makes them essential to consume. Magnesium promotes enzymatic process in your body whereas sulfate is necessary to facilitate digestion.
10 Amazing Epsom Salt Health Benefits
1. Rapid Recovery after Workout
Hardcore workout sessions often contribute to muscle pain. Health care provider suggests that soaking in Epsom salt bath after an intense workout can help relieve muscle cramps and pains in no time. You can soak in Epsom salt even after a spending a chaotic day at work – it is a good stress buster for some people.
Moreover, supplementing magnesium sulfate is ideal to consume before exercising to boost stamina and performance alike. It can eliminate a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles preventing the risk of inflammation, injury, post-workout aches, and muscle and joint cramps.
2. For Foot Pain
It is utterly irritating to deal with aching feet. You can opt for a simple yet effective remedy when suffering from foot pain. Dilute a ½ tablespoon of Epsom salt into warm water. And soak your feet to it for 20 minutes. The treatment is sufficient to relax tired feet and to relieve pain alike.
Epsom salt, when combined with tea tree oil, can help ward off fingernail fungus as well. You can opt for the salt if your foot stinks. It has potential to destroy bacteria that contribute to unpleasant odor.
3. Promotes Digestion
Epsom salt is recommended due to its laxative properties. The mineral magnesium sulfate allows relieving chronic or acute constipation alike. Epsom salt encourages the movement of digested food in your intestinal tract.
Incorporating Epsom salt into your meals support the enzymes in your stomach, which facilitate the activity in your large intestine. Magnesium sulfate is said to work as a natural colon cleanser and help detox your body without hurting your health.
4. Ideal for Inflammation
Redness, bruising, or itching are all symptoms of inflammation. There could be various external or internal factors that contribute to inflammation. You can reduce the intensity of redness or itchiness via consuming foods prepared with Epsom salt. On the other hand, you can soak in an Epsom salt bath to alleviate discomfort, and the swelling inflammation often brings.
5. For Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency can put you at the risk of various chronic diseases. It can also affect your psychological health adversely. A recent survey has revealed that inadequate levels of magnesium in your body can also lead to certain medical conditions including diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and kidney disease. Nutritionists suggest that you should maintain adequate and balanced levels of the mineral as excess magnesium can contribute to chronic stress. You need to incorporate Epsom salt into your diet if you often encounter these conditions:
- Insomnia
- Nail disorder
- Mental confusion
- Bad Mood
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Restless leg syndrome
6. For Sunburn
The ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause severe damage to your skin including giving you a sunburn. You can add a pinch of Epsom salt to home remedies to soothe irritated skin. The cooling effect of the salt will help reduce redness as well. You can even incorporate a pinch of Epsom salt into fresh juices and smoothies for maximum benefits.
7. For Radiant Skin
You can achieve a natural glow on your face in a short time span with Epsom salt. It works best when combined with coconut oil. You can prepare various face packs using Epsom salt. Also, diluting a small portion of the salt in water and mist it on your face. It is considered a safe way to get an instant shine.
8. For Thick and Long Hair
Enriched with minerals, Epsom salt is highly-suggested for thick hair. You need to massage your scalp and hair gently with a mixture of Epsom salt with a carrier oil. Make sure to cover each strand to get the desired result. Also, you should avoid applying Epsom salt paste on an infected scalp as it might contribute to itchiness.
9. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Various factors contribute to stress and anxiety. You can get rid of the condition via consuming Epsom salt on a daily basis. The minerals found in it function to strengthen your brain cells. Magnesium sulfate is known to relax tensed nerves facilitating your nervous system as well. Incorporating Epsom salt into your diet is said to stimulate brain activity. Nutritionists recommend that Epsom salt intake can impede the occurrence of age-related mental disorders.
10. Control Blood Sugar Levels
People with type-II diabetes would be delighted to learn that Epsom salt can help regulate their blood sugar levels. It can manage sudden sugar spikes after consuming processed or sugary meals. Epsom salt allows your body to digest sugar and improve its ability to regulate glucose in the bloodstream.
Various studies on diabetes have concluded that the magnesium found in Epsom salt boosts insulin sensitivity. This way, you can maintain adequate sugar levels without any efforts. Despite that, you should not treat diabetes via self-medication. And consult with your endocrinologist to get better treatment.
Bottom Line
The benefits of Epsom salt are tremendous. You should make it a part of your regimen to keep health ailments at bay. It is apparent that you can use it for culinary and medical purposes. However, it is still suggested to schedule an appointment with your primary care specialist when suffering from health problems and refrain from self-medication.