Bath salts are a wonderful, natural thing which have been around for centuries. The variety which we will focus on today is often sold under the name Epsom Salt, and is simply Magnesium Sulfate. Benefits include reduced inflammation, detoxification, cosmetic benefits such as reduced water weight, and relaxation. This is a very simple tip, and part one of a two part article since I didn’t get around to posting it yesterday.
Epsom salts are great for whole body immersion in warm or hot water, as well as for localized soaks of such body parts as the feet or hands, as it directly reduces inflammation via magnesium absorption and can also temporarily lower the amount of water one carries i.e. tightening your skin and making one look less bloated. Magnesium is a mineral which many people, especially athletic individuals, are deficient in and this is a great way to increase blood levels. Taking magnesium orally in the form of a supplement is the obvious choice of many, however in high amounts it can causes irregular bowel habits and diarrhea which is why epsom salts and other magnesium preparations have also historically been used as laxatives.
A common amount to use in a bath is 1 to 2 cups (four large handfulls), or 1/4 to 1/2 cup in a basin for localized soaking. For individual body parts where immersion in a basin is impractical, I like to soak a washcloth in the solution and then hold it on the sore muscle. Great for shoulder/neck soreness!! Add it to your bath and before you sit down, kind of use your feet or hands to fully dissolve it into the water. Once you are through, 10 to 20 minutes later, a shower can be had to rinse the salts from your body. This is a great, inexpensive way to improve your recovery, decrease stress, and improve performance.
Stay tuned this afternoon for another article!
