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 associated with multiple therapeutic benefits, in addition to serving to obtain better crops and being used in the food industry.

Let's see what exactly these salts are, what are the benefits that are pointed out that they have and if, although of natural origin, they pose some type of health risk.

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Epsom salts: what are they?

Epsom salts, also known by their chemical name as magnesium sulfate, they are a natural and exfoliating remedy used to treat multiple organic pains and problems. Since they contain magnesium, it is believed that they can help in the treatment of diseases caused by the lack of this mineral.

The magnesium It is an element that acquires a very important role in the synthesis of proteins that the human body needs, especially those that are located in the joints and in the nervous system.

Epsom salts have grown in popularity over the years, being a very important ingredient in many beauty products and also in making bath salts.

Chemical composition

Originally, these salts were extracted from a spring near the Epsom, in England, for this reason they receive their name. The water from this spring is salty and bitter, and it was there that these salts were first distilled.

Magnesium sulfate contains, as in its composition, sulfur, oxygen and magnesium. The salts are in the form of colorless crystals, similar in appearance to common salt or sodium chloride.

Uses and benefits

There are multiple benefits that have been attributed to Epsom salts.

Therapeutic uses

Epsom salts have been suggested to be great for treating many health problems. However, It can be said that scientific research in this regard is limited and that, just as they can have certain benefits, they can also involve risks, no matter how natural.

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 elevated calcium levels, resulting in heart disease, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, osteoporosis and problems psychological.

The magnesium that is part of these salts can be absorbed through the skin, either by putting the feet in water with Epsom salts or by taking a relaxing bath. This avoids having to take oral magnesium supplements.

Good levels of magnesium in the body allow more than 300 essential enzymes that are behind organic functions and good muscle control to be correctly synthesized.

2. 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.

Epsom salts have been said to contribute to the production of serotonin, which could be related to the benefit of reducing stress and anxiety, although the scientific support for this is rather scarce.

3. Antiseptics and anti-inflammatory

These salts have been used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with allergy burns and inflammationshowever, this has not been scientifically proven.

As they apparently appear to have antiseptic capabilities, they have been used to eliminate foot odor, eliminating the bacteria that cause it.

4. Relief from constipation

Are considered a natural relief for constipation. If consumed orally, Epsom salts act as laxatives, making more water in the intestines and promoting egestion.

5. Regulate glucose levels

It has been suggested that its consumption could prevent the development of diabetes. Magnesium contributes to a better use of insulin in the body.

farming

These salts are used to increase the levels of magnesium and sulfates in arable land.

Many plants require a lot of magnesium to produce nutritious fruits and vegetables and well matured, such as tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, lemons, peppers and, in floristry, roses.

Magnesium sulfate is a nearly neutral pH substance. This means that, unlike various fertilizers, there are no changes in the pH of the crop soil, which could spoil 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 examination, since an abusive consumption of the substance can cause magnesium levels in the blood to rise, resulting in a hypermagnesemia. Symptoms associated with this medical condition include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and cramps.

Consumption of these salts on your own is not recommended, either for the purpose of treating or preventing diseases. It is also not recommended to use them to treat skin wounds, burns and allergies, since it could make the injuries worse.

Bibliographic references:

• Heinz-Büchel, Karl, Moretto, H. H., Werner, D., Wiley, J. (2000) Industrial Inorganic Chemistry ,.
• Blitz M, Blitz S, Hughes R, Diner B, Beasley R, Knopp J, Rowe B. H. (2005) Aerosolized magnesium sulfate for acute asthma: a systematic review. Chest, 128: 337-44.
• Duley, L; Gülmezoglu, A. M.; Henderson-Smart, D. J.; Chou, D. (2010). "Magnesium sulphate and other anticonvulsants for women with pre-eclampsia". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (11)
• Duley, L; Henderson-Smart, DJ; Walker, GJ; Chou, D (December 8, 2010). "Magnesium sulphate versus diazepam for eclampsia". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (12)