Can taking a relaxing bath really help you lose weight? According to some sources, it can. Epsom salt, widely known for its use with muscle soreness and pain, could assist you to lose some unwanted weight.
Scientifically referred to as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, Epsom salt has numerous health and cosmetic benefits. By helping you detoxify more successfully, Epsom salt has its value in re-balancing the body, so it can deal with excess weight, reduce the appearance of cellulite and make you healthier and fitter. Find out about this safe and easy technique for weight loss.
About Epsom Salt
Epsom salt gets its name from Epsom in Surrey, England where it was first discovered in a bitter saline spring. Despite being called a ‘salt’, the substance is not actually a salt, but a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. The small clear crystals have wide applications that include:
- Muscle soreness relief.
- Quicker recovery from minor injuries such as muscle strains.
- Hair treatment that helps you get rid of excess oils.
- Alleviation of mild sunburn pain and irritation (alternative to aloe vera).
- Solution for dry lips.
- Relief from bug bites and bee stings.
- Skin exfoliator (great for pedicure, deep exfoliation and facial masks).
- Treatment for poison ivy rashes.
- Gives you a general feeling of relaxation that helps you catch up on sleep.
- Epsom salt can also be used to clean tiles and walls in your home.
How does Epsom Salt Work for Weight Loss
According to research conducted by Rosemary Waring, a British biochemist at the University of Birmingham, magnesium and sulfate get absorbed through the skin when we bath in Epsom salt. Blood levels of the two minerals increase after a good soak and they can then work to rid body of environmental toxins, de-stress and heal various skin issues.
Lack of magnesium in the body can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, headaches and backaches; and low sulfate can manifest as body exhaustion. Supplying both of them boosts all body systems and balances their function.
Often, weight gain is associated with emotional eating and poor nutrient absorption. When you expel toxins and feel more relaxed, you are less likely to over-eat and you metabolize food in a more efficient manner.
Different Opinions
Some dispute the use of Epsom salt in baths and claim that the health benefits don’t have sufficient scientific backing. However, the calming and relaxing effects are a very subjective experience and can change the way your body operates and processes nutrients. Silkier skin, too, is a definite bonus.
Even if the healing effects of magnesium and sulfate are not supported by everyone, Epsom salt baths are something you can experiment with and then decide for yourself.
How to Make Epsom Salt Bath for Weight Loss
- Start slowly by adding one tablespoon of Epsom salt to your bath water daily.
- Gradually increase the amount of salt to two cups. If you start with big quantities without a gentle introduction first, you might suffer some adverse symptoms of a quick detox such as irritability, mood swings or hyperactivity. Some suggest that doses of above 600 grams don’t bring any additional effects, so don’t overdo it.
- Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes and unwind. Don’t stay in the bath for longer than 25 minutes or you might end up exhausting yourself.
- Bring with you enough water and make sure you rehydrate well during and after your hot bath.
If you find a daily bath to be too much for you, reduce it to two to three times a week. The opinions on what a good frequency is are mixed, so listen to your body’s responses and adjust.