This is one substance that has been largely taken for granted. It has been commonly used as a bath salt and as medication to treat skin inflammations such as localized infections or small boils. But Epsom salts offer a lot more benefits than we already know. It’s widely used for medical purposes to agricultural to household applications, and more.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salts shouldn’t be confused with the traditional salt we are accustomed to. It’s a type of mineral compound of sulfate and magnesium, thus its chemical name, magnesium sulfate. Although it looks exactly like table salt because of its crystalline appearance, it’s completely different. Epsom salt is a nutrient that the body needs to be used for body functions. Through the years and, for some reason, a lot of us have been getting lower levels of this nutrient. Consider the following issues why there is a dwindling source of magnesium sulfate:
- For one, it has been extensively used for agricultural purposes. As more lands are developed for farming, essential minerals such as magnesium along with other types of trace elements are being used to improve crop growth.
- Using too many prescription medications which can contain magnesium sulfate.
- Consuming too many processed foods which contain magnesium sulfate.
All these factors contribute to the depletion of magnesium as a required nutrient. Aside from improving one’s health, Epsom salt has other health benefits which we will discuss later on.
Boosts the Levels of Sulfate and Magnesium
Both elements of Epsom salt, sulfate and magnesium are important to the body. Deficiencies in them could be potentially dangerous. Although sulfate deficiency is rare, the deficiency in magnesium is much more common and this is attributed factors like soil depletion and the increase in low-quality processed foods. The magnesium in water is also lost because of municipal treatment routines. Many illnesses can be traced back to a deficiency in magnesium and this can include type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and some heart diseases. One may need to make adjustments to his diet if he is deficient in both these minerals. Or the person can consider taking supplements. An Epsom salt bath can also help because the minerals can make their way through the skin during the bath. Such a relaxing luxury can be a preventative measure against mineral deficiency and the health problems they might create.
