Epsom Salts: What Are They And What Are Their Health Benefits?
In recent years, Epsom salts have become increasingly popular either because many athletes use them to soothe their sore muscles or influencers make home remedies with this substance.
These salts have been linked to multiple therapeutic benefits, in addition to being used to obtain better crops and being used in the food industry.
Let’s see what exactly these salts are, what benefits they are reported to have and if, although of natural origin, they pose some type of health risk.
Epsom salts, also known by its chemical name magnesium sulfate, They are a natural and exfoliating remedy used to treat multiple pains and organic problems Since they contain magnesium, it is believed that they can help in the treatment of diseases caused by a lack of this mineral.
Magnesium is an element that plays a very important role in the synthesis of proteins that the human body needs, especially those located in the joints and nervous system.
Epsom salts have become more popular over the years, being a very important ingredient in many beauty products and also for making bath salts.
Chemical composition
Originally, these salts were extracted from a spring near Epsom, in England, which is why they receive their name. The water from this spring is salty and bitter, and it was there where these salts were distilled for the first time.
Magnesium sulfate contains sulfur, oxygen and magnesium as part of its composition Salts come in the form of colorless crystals, similar in appearance to common salt or sodium chloride.
There are multiple benefits that have been attributed to Epsom salts.
therapeutic uses
Epsom salts have been suggested to be ideal for treating many health problems. However, It should be said that scientific research on this matter is limited and that, just as they may have certain benefits, they may also involve risks, no matter how natural they may be.
1. Magnesium levels increase
Having adequate levels of magnesium promotes good general health In fact, one of the most common medical problems is magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia.
Hypomagnesemia can be the result of alcohol abuse, malnutrition, severe diarrhea or high calcium levels, resulting in heart disease, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, osteoporosis and psychological problems.
The magnesium that is part of these salts can be absorbed through the skin, either by soaking your feet in water with Epsom salts or taking a relaxing bath. This avoids having to take oral supplements with magnesium.
Good levels of magnesium in the body allow more than 300 fundamental enzymes that are behind organic functions and good muscle control to be correctly synthesized.
2. They calm stress
Magnesium seems to have a relaxing effect on the body One of the most widespread uses of these salts is to use them as bath salts.
It has been said that Epsom salts contribute to the production of serotonin, which could be related to the benefit of reducing stress and anxiety, although scientific support for this is rather scarce.
3. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
These salts They have been used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with burns and inflammation due to allergies However, this has not been scientifically proven.
As they apparently appear to have antiseptic abilities, they have been used to eliminate foot odor by eliminating the bacteria that cause it.
4. Relief from constipation
They are considered a natural relief for constipation If consumed orally, Epsom salts act as laxatives, causing more water in the intestines and promoting egestion.
5. They regulate glucose levels
It has been suggested that its consumption could prevent diabetes from developing Magnesium contributes to better utilization of insulin in the body.
Agriculture
These salts are used to increase the levels of magnesium and sulfates in arable land.
Several plants require a lot of magnesium to produce nutritious fruits and vegetables and well ripened, such as tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, lemons, peppers and, in florists, roses.
Magnesium sulfate is a substance with almost neutral pH. This means that, unlike various fertilizers, there are no changes in the pH of the crop soil, which could damage the plantations.
Feeding
In the food industry, Epsom salts are used to make some types of beer.
It is also used in Asia in the production of tofu and soy derivatives.
Health risks
Although it is a natural product, not synthesized in a laboratory, These salts are not without health risks
Consuming Epsom salts should be done under medical supervision, since excessive consumption of the substance can cause magnesium levels in the blood to rise, resulting in hypermagnesemia. Symptoms associated with this medical condition include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and cramps.
The consumption of these salts on one’s own is not recommended, either for the purpose of treating diseases or preventing them. It is also not recommended to use them to treat skin wounds, burns and allergies, since it could worsen the injuries.
