The EXACT Amount Of Epsom Salts You Should Be Adding To Your Bath Based On Your Weight

Epsom salt is a mineral compound also known as magnesium sulfate. It looks like a large salt crystal and is easily dissolved in water. It can be used for beauty, health, as well as things in the garden. There are two types of Epsom salt – one for personal and one for agricultural use. If you’re using it personally, look for USP on the ingredients label.

Why take an Epsom salt bath?

These baths are highly relaxing and therapeutic, and treat skin problems such as eczema, acne, muscle soreness, inflammation, bruising, swelling and torn muscles or ligaments. Epsom salt baths are great detoxifiers which increase your magnesium and sulfate intake.

Why do we need magnesium?

Magnesium is vital for our overall health. It has a role in over 300 metabolic processes, and helps the body regulate enzymes. It also assists in electrical impulses, toxin removal, muscle control, etc. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs magnesium. This mineral also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Magnesium activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate levels of calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body.”

Our unhealthy diet and hectic schedule deplete our magnesium levels which is why magnesium deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency at the moment.

How to properly take an Epsom salt bath

Most recipes recommend 2 cups of Epsom salt for a normal sized bath and more for a bigger bath. However, David Jockers DC, MS, CSCS, says that the amount of Epsom salt used for a bath depends on the person’s weight. Here’s what he suggests for a standard sized bathtub:

  • Children under 60 lbs: ½ a cup;
  • People from 60-100 lbs: 1 cup;
  • People from 100-150 lbs: 1 ½ cup;
  • People from 150-200 lbs: 2 cups;
  • For every additional 50 lbs add an additional ½ a cup of Epsom salts.

He recommends a 40-minute soak – the first 20 minutes will extract toxins out of the body, while the second 20 will allow your body to absorb magnesium and sulfate. However, you should be careful with the baths if you’re pregnant, have open wounds or burns or if you are suffering from any cardiovascular disease.

An Epsom salt bath is great for muscle soreness, but if you’re using it for detoxification, you need to brush your skin first to remove the dead skin cells and open up your pores. It is not a time consuming task, so take your time and prepare yourself for detox properly. After the soak, you can also consider hot and cold hydrotherapy.

Combining Epsom salts with other ingredients

You can add essential oils, baking soda, olive and coconut oil or apple cider vinegar to an Epsom salt bath.

 

Source : http://familylifegoals.com/