How Epsom Salt Benefits Health

Epsom salt is a type of mineral compound made from magnesium sulfate. Because this chemical compound is comprised of such substances as oxygen, magnesium, and sulfur, it can provide individuals who use it with a wide array of health benefits. Epsom salt is also an affordable item that's easy to use and completely harmless, which makes it a good alternative for many pain treatments. While Epsom salt can be used in a variety of ways, the most common method includes pouring the salt into a hot bath. Though it's possible to dissolve Epsom salt in a cup of water before drinking it, it is quite bitter.

Improves Muscle Soreness

Rigid Muscles. Photo Credit: HuffPostAU @Huffz

One of the major benefits Epsom salt provides is how it improves muscle soreness and reduces the pain. Muscle soreness is particularly common after working out. Whether individuals lift weights for too many repetitions or run for longer than normal, soreness can kick in when their muscles become strained. This soreness is particularly common during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours following an intense workout. Performing physical activities individuals didn't have experience with before now can also cause them deal with a decent amount of muscle soreness.

This soreness can feel particularly severe when individuals suffer from a msucle cramp in any area of the body, which occurs when the muscle contracts involuntarily. The magnesium found in Epsom salt is believed to be the source for muscle soreness relief. Because of how this salt can reduce muscle soreness, it may be able to provide relief from the soreness that's often symptomatic of conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Reduces Stress

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

While many of the health benefits of Epsom salt are physical health benefits, there are also some mental health benefits. The amount of magnesium in the body helps individuals sleep properly and reduces stress. The magnesium found in Epsom salt can assist the body in the production of melatonin, which helps promote sleep while also calming the mind. When the magnesium in the body has dropped to a low level, a variety of negative effects might occur, like an increase in stress. Being able to absorb magnesium into the skin with Epsom salt may help reverse these effects.

Hot baths are also known to help individuals relax, which is why the combination of a hot bath and Epsom salt can be particularly effective at reducing stress. High amounts of stress can adversely affect almost every component of the body and can cause issues with both an individual's mental and physical states. If individuals have been experiencing long-term stress, using Epsom salt may help them lessen their stress before serious complications occur.

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