Tired of getting nowhere with weight loss diet plans and those quick-fix belly fat machines? Not every diet plan or piece of fitness equipment suits everyone. If you’re fed up with gym trips, pricey supplements, and obsessively monitoring your weight, there might be a simpler solution for you to explore: an Epsom salt bath.
You may have heard about Epsom salt from a friend who’s an athlete. They might use it to ease muscle soreness and joint pain. It’s popular among marathon runners, too. But what’s fascinating is that Epsom salt baths can help with weight loss without much effort.
What exactly is Epsom salt?
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what Epsom salt is to avoid any misuse. Epsom salt, chemically known as Magnesium Sulfate, was first discovered in the town of Epsom, England. Unlike kitchen salt, Epsom salt has a smoother texture and shines, unlike the graininess of table salt. It’s rich in magnesium, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy body, regulating muscles, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
How do Epsom salt baths help with weight loss?
1. Magnesium in Epsom salt is more beneficial than statin drugs without side effects.
Doctors often prescribe statin drugs to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. While effective for weight loss, these drugs come with serious side effects. However, a study by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that magnesium consumption, whether orally or through Epsom salt baths, is more beneficial with none of the negative effects of statins. Magnesium helps activate enzymes in the body that promote weight loss and works as a natural calcium channel blocker to widen blood vessels. When you soak in an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium gets absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream, making it an effective weight loss method.
2. Magnesium sulfate improves metabolic control in overweight individuals.
This is another reason to keep up with Epsom salt baths. An Iranian study showed that magnesium sulfate supplementation improves plasma insulin levels, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance in overweight people, which is vital for weight loss. While the study involved oral supplements, it highlights the importance of magnesium. Therefore, regular Epsom salt baths can be beneficial for weight management.
How to prepare an Epsom salt bath and how often should you take one?
Epsom salt baths are a perfect way to relax and unwind. Try them on days when you want to rest. You can purchase Epsom salts from any local drugstore. Simply add 4-5 scoops of Epsom salt to warm water in your bathtub. Depending on your bathtub’s size, you can adjust the amount. For a spa-like experience, consider adding a few drops of lavender oil, known for its calming properties, which work well with Epsom salt.
While Epsom salt baths are beneficial, taking them every day isn’t recommended, as your body might stop absorbing magnesium effectively. Limit yourself to one or two baths a week for the best results regarding mineral intake and weight loss benefits.