Epsom salt has a lot of uses and is used to treat a variety of ailments. In particular, people use it to combat health issues such as stress and muscle soreness. It’s also affordable and easy to use, making it ideal for counteracting stress and staying on a diet, such as the keto diet. On the keto diet, which is a high fat, low carb diet as discussed in the Body Reboot book, some dieters may experience occasional constipation and a lack of magnesium. Epsom salt may be able to help with that. The keto diet helps many people lose weight and feel more energetic, as well as experience many other benefits. For now, learn about the many benefits of Epsom salt and how it may improve one’s health. 

What is Epsom salt? 

Healthline provides a perfect explanation as to what Epsom salt is and how it differs from table salt. It turns out this type of salt has many benefits, as Healthline discusses below: 

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It's a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

It gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was originally discovered.

Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

It has an appearance similar to table salt and is often dissolved in baths, which is why you may also know it as “bath salt.” While it looks similar to table salt, its taste is distinctly different. Epsom salt is quite bitter and unpalatable.

Some people still consume it by dissolving the salt in water and drinking it. However, due to its taste, you probably don’t want to add it to food.

For hundreds of years, this salt has been used to treat ailments, such as constipation, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effects on these conditions are not well researched.

Most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium, a mineral that a lot of people do not get enough of.

You can find Epsom salt online and at most drug and grocery stores. It’s typically located in the pharmacy or cosmetic area.

1. Provides magnesium 

As we briefly discussed in our introduction, Healthline reveals that Epsom salt is an excellent source of magnesium. If you’ve lacked magnesium in your diet, taking an Epsom salt may be a great way to get that extra magnesium you’re lacking. 

Magnesium is often used to treat constipation.

It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements.

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.

It can be taken by mouth with water according to the directions on the package.

Adults are usually advised to take 2–6 teaspoons (10–30 grams) of Epsom salt at a time, dissolved in at least 8 ounces (237 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.

It should only be used occasionally as a laxative, not for long-term relief.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, the first being calcium.

It is involved in more than 325 biochemical reactions that benefit your heart and nervous system.

Many people do not consume enough magnesium. Even if you do, factors such as dietary phytates and oxalates can interfere with how much your body absorbs (2Trusted Source).

While magnesium sulfate has value as a magnesium supplement, some people claim that magnesium may be better absorbed via Epsom salt baths than when taken by mouth.

This claim is not based on any available evidence.

Proponents of the theory point to an unpublished study in 19 healthy people. The researchers claimed that all but three of the participants showed higher blood magnesium levels after soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

However, no statistical tests were performed and the study lacked a control group.

As a result, its conclusions were unfounded and highly questionable.

Researchers agree that magnesium is not absorbed through people’s skin — at least not in any scientifically relevant amounts.

2. Reduces stress

If you need a relaxing bath and a way to release tension, Medical News Today says to give Epsom salt a try. Reduce stress, and you may also sleep better, too. 

Healthy magnesium levels can boost brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for inducing sleep and reducing stress. Magnesium may also promote melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

People feeling stressed and overwhelmed may benefit from taking an Epsom salt bath. Some research has found that people who are suffering from mental and physical stress benefit when their magnesium levels are managed. While the study looked at oral supplements, Epsom salt could have a similar effect.

Taking a warm bath can also help a person relax by allowing them to release muscle tension and recuperate after a long day.

3. Eases pain

If you’re in pain, Epsom salt can also take away the pain. Medical News Today also says that it may provide pain relief for certain health conditions such as arthritis. 

An Epsom salt bath may provide pain relief and reduce swelling in people living with certain types of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.

Low levels of magnesium can ease the pain in people with arthritis. Epsom salt contains magnesium and may help the body get rid of toxins responsible for exacerbating inflammation while also reducing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

4. Helps with constipation

If you’re thinking about going on the keto diet, you may experience occasional constipation. Healthline discusses how Epsom salt can combat that and help your stomach feel better. 

Magnesium is often used to treat constipation.

It appears to be helpful because it draws water into your colon, which promotes bowel movements.

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.

It can be taken by mouth with water according to the directions on the package.

Adults are usually advised to take 2–6 teaspoons (10–30 grams) of Epsom salt at a time, dissolved in at least 8 ounces (237 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.

It should only be used occasionally as a laxative, not for long-term relief.

5. Eliminates toxins from the body

If you’re wanting to get rid of toxins from the body, similar to helping with constipation, SaltWorks reveals that Epsom salt can also get rid of toxins in your cells. Eliminate harmful substances and live a healthier, happier life. 

The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.

Additional benefits 

Do you want to hear about a few more benefits of Epsom salt? WebMD tells us that this special salt can also help with bruises, arthritis (which we discussed above), sunburn pain, swollen feet, and several other issues. 

In water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these get into your body through your skin. That hasn't been proven, but just soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints.

People use Epsom salt baths as a home treatment for:

Arthritis pain and swelling

Bruises and sprains

Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body

Ingrown toenails

Insomnia

Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin

Sore muscles after working out

Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy

Sunburn pain and redness

Tired, swollen feet

Use Epsom salt while you’re on the keto diet not only to improve your health but to help with constipation and a lack of magnesium. The keto diet has many health benefits such as possibly treating health conditions from heart conditions to cancer. Check out the Body Reboot book to learn more about this incredible diet. If you want a free copy, help us cover shipping and visit this page to get your free copy today!

Sources: Healthline, WebMD, SaltWorks, Medical News Today