A person should speak with their doctor if they are unsure about drinking Epsom salt. People can use Epsom salt as a laxative to treat constipation. This treatment method involves dissolving a small amount of Epsom salt in water and drinking the mixture. People may not experience any side effects after taking an Epsom salt bath. However, people with sensitive skin could develop a skin rash or contact dermatitis.
The following people should avoid consuming Epsom salt orally as they may experience unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects:. Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring compound that contains magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It has a crystalline structure similar to that of common table salt, or sodium chloride. Epsom salt is unlike table salt as it tastes bitter and is not a suitable ingredient for cooking.
People use Epsom salt for its supposed healing and detoxifying properties. The theory suggests that dissolving Epsom salt in water helps the skin absorb magnesium ions. These regulate numerous essential bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood pressure , and inflammation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claims that the body absorbs magnesium ions through the skin.
Scientists need to perform more in-depth studies to confirm the effectiveness of using Epsom salt to treat various ailments. Some research suggests the skin may absorb magnesium and sulfate ions dissolved in water.
The authors of one review article cited several studies with conflicting results about whether or not magnesium can pass through the skin barrier.
While magnesium transporters carry magnesium ions across cellular membranes, the outermost layer of the skin consists of dead cells that do not have these transporters.
The authors also claim that magnesium ions are nearly times larger when hydrated, making it almost impossible for them to penetrate the skin. However, in a study , researchers found that magnesium can pass through the outer layer of skin. They also reported that the concentration of magnesium and the length of exposure directly affects how much magnesium the skin can absorb.
Scientists need to conduct further research to confirm the health benefits of magnesium products, specifically Epsom salt. Epsom salt is a natural remedy that may help relieve muscle pain, inflammation, and constipation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims. Epsom salt is generally safe for most adults and children. However, certain people should avoid drinking Epsom salt solutions.
Consuming Epsom salt can lead to side effects, including diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness. Epsom salt is available to purchase in stores and online. Epsom salt can be added to a warm bath or foot soak to provide a variety of benefits, including soothing the skin, reducing stress, and relieving pain.
Epsom salt foot soaks may help improve foot health, though the research is limited. In this article, we look at the benefits, risks, and evidence…. Discover how this mineral powerhouse plays an important role in integrative medicine, promoting both physical and mental health benefits. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.
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Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reverse these issues by allowing your body to absorb magnesium through the skin. It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements 6 , 7.
Most often, magnesium is taken by mouth for constipation relief in the form of magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide. However, taking Epsom salt is also said to be effective, although it is not well studied.
Nevertheless, the FDA lists it as an approved laxative. Adults are usually advised to take 2—6 teaspoons 10—30 grams of Epsom salt at a time, dissolved in at least 8 ounces ml of water and consumed immediately.
You can expect a laxative effect in 30 minutes to 6 hours. You should also know that consuming Epsom salt may produce unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and liquid stool 7. Some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps — both important factors for exercise performance and recovery.
It is well known that adequate magnesium levels are helpful for exercise because magnesium helps your body use glucose and lactic acid 8. While relaxing in a hot bath may help soothe aching muscles, there is no evidence that people absorb bathwater magnesium through their skin 1.
On the other hand, oral supplements can effectively stave off magnesium insufficiency or deficiency. Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels. While magnesium is clearly important for exercise, the use of bath salt to enhance fitness is not well researched.
At this point, the supposed benefits are purely anecdotal. Many people report that taking Epsom salt baths improves symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis. Again, the magnesium is deemed responsible for these effects, since many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis are deficient in this mineral.
One study in 15 women with fibromyalgia concluded that applying magnesium chloride to the skin may be beneficial for reducing symptoms 9. However, this study was based on questionnaires and lacked a control group. Its results should be taken with a grain of salt. Most of the purported benefits of Epsom bath salts are anecdotal. On the other hand, oral magnesium supplements may benefit sleep, stress, digestion, exercise, and pain in people who are deficient.
While Epsom salt is generally safe, there are a few negative effects that can occur if you use it incorrectly. This is only a concern when you take it by mouth. First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative effect. Consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach. If you use it as a laxative, make sure to drink plenty of water , which may reduce digestive discomfort.
Furthermore, never take more than the recommended dosage without first consulting your doctor. Some cases of magnesium overdose have been reported, in which people took too much Epsom salt. Symptoms include nausea , headache, lightheadedness, and flushed skin 2 , In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death. This is unlikely as long as you take it in appropriate amounts as recommended by your doctor or listed on the package 2 , Contact your doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction or other serious side effects.
The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can produce side effects when taken by mouth. You can prevent these by using it correctly and talking with your doctor before increasing your dosage. To do this, add 2 cups about grams of Epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub and soak your body for at least 15 minutes. While hot baths can be relaxing, there is currently no good evidence for the benefits of an Epsom salt bath in itself.
Epsom salt may be used as a beauty product for skin and hair. To use it as an exfoliant, just place some in your hand, dampen it and massage it into your skin.
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