Epsom salts: what are they and what are their health benefits?

These salts have become popular for their medicinal properties.

In recent years, Epsom salts have Epsom salts have become more and more popular in recent years, either becauseWhether it is because many athletes use them to soothe their aching muscles or influencers make home remedies with this substance.

These salts have been linked to 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 they are said to have and if, although of natural origin, they pose any kind of health risk.

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Epsom salts: what are they?

Epsom salts, also known by their chemical name as magnesium sulfate, 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 the 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 been gaining popularity 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 get their name. The water of this spring is salty and bitter, and it was there that these salts were first distilled.

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

Uses and benefits

Multiple benefits have been attributed to Epsom salts.

Therapeutic uses

It has been suggested that Epsom salts are ideal for treating many health problems. However, However, it should be said that scientific research on this subject is limited and while they may have certain benefits, they may also carry risks, however natural they may be.

They increase magnesium levels.

Adequate magnesium levels support overall good 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 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 fundamental enzymes that are behind organic functions and good muscle control to be synthesized correctly.

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 even been said to 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 have been used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with burns and Allergy inflammations, however, this has not been proven to be effective.However, this has not been scientifically proven.

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

4. Relief of constipation

They are considered a natural relief for constipation. If consumed orally, Epsom salts act as a laxative, causing more water in the intestines and promoting digestion.

5. They regulate glucose levels

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

Agriculture

These salts are used to increase magnesium and sulfate levels in arable land.

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

Magnesium sulfate is an almost pH-neutral substance. This means that, unlike various fertilizers, it does not cause changes in the pH of the soil of the crops, which could spoil the plantations.

Food

In the food industry, Epsom salts are used to brew 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 free of health risks..

Consuming Epsom salts should be done under medical supervision, since an abusive 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.

It is not recommended to consume these salts on their own, either for the purpose of treating or preventing disease. It is also not recommended to use them to treat skin wounds, burns, and allergies, as it may worsen the lesions.

Bibliographical 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 (8 December 2010). "Magnesium sulphate versus diazepam for eclampsia". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (12)