Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 By Breyer, Senior Producer, Care2 Green Living Many of us are deficient in magnesium, and by simply soaking in a relaxing bath with magnesium-rich Epsom salt we can boost our levels of this important element. " Magnesium, " you might wonder, " what's the big deal? " Find out the importance of magnesium and discover the many surprising health benefits of using Epsom salt in your bath. SIMPLE SOLUTION: We all know about the importance of iron and calcium, but what about magnesium? It is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body. Surprisingly, it helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. According to the National Academy of Sciences, most Americans are magnesium deficient, which the academy says helps to account for high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments. Who knew?! Americans' magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. Industrial farming has depleted magnesium from soil and the typical American diet contains much less magnesium than that of our forefathers. And in fact, the modern American diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies. Interestingly, our focus on getting enough calcium is another factor in decreased magnesium levels. In a delicate dance of balance, calcium depletes magnesium yet calcium functions best when enough magnesium is present. Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without enough magnesium can increase the shortage of both nutrients. Researchers have found that many Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies, although the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is two to one. With such widespread magnesium deficiency one might think that magnesium supplements would be called upon, but studies show that magnesium is not easily absorbed through the digestive track. The presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and the chemistry of a person's stomach acid can render magnesium supplements ineffective. This brings us to Epsom salt. Known scientifically as hydrated magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental contaminants. Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council: * Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure. * Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes. * Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. * Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood. * Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation. * Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps. * Improved oxygen use. * Improved absorption of nutrients. * Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins. * Prevention or easing of migraine headaches. All this from a bath, hurray! While there are many different brands of Epsom salt, they are all the same product chemically, and can be found at most drug stores. Add two cups of Epsom salt and soak for at least 12 minutes. Do this three times weekly. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts. 12 Comments add a comment » le Greene Butterflies Wednesday March 5, 2008, 9:52 PM your little article inspired me to look for more info. i found the Epsom Salt Council's website: www.epsomsaltcounci l.org. they have some amazing information to share: not the least of which pertains to your garden! Lily Goodma Wednesday March 5, 2008, 8:25 PM Yes, as an LMT,DC, and Acupuncturist I've been advising these soaks for years. Edgar Cayce sometimes had people use 16 pounds in one bath. Talk about detox! It's best not to use soap, wait and do that the next day. Also I've heard it shouldn't be used daily. Does anyone know of a good source to get it in bulk? Karine A. Butterflies Wednesday March 5, 2008, 7:39 PM I use Epsom Salt since a severe car accident- (several fractures etc etc) I had no idea that it replenishes magnesium. Thanks much for this article - my bath water is running while I am typing Thanks again ... Amy Ernst Stars Wednesday March 5, 2008, 5:24 PM I am an L.M.T. and i recommend this to all my clients....mama' s, athletes, and anyone who works or plays hard....mentally or physically Elaina Tapscott Wednesday March 5, 2008, 4:23 PM I add epsom salt to my body scrub! It doesn't dry my skin out like store bought stuff. Everyone should use epsom salt. It is cheap and easy to get. Phoenix Butterflies Spiritual freedom is my birthright. I am a free thinker. I am able to rise above mental prejudices and stereotypes of others. I am a free thinker. Nobody and nothing can manipulate me or deceive me. I am a free thinker. I freely choose truth and love. Today, I embrace a greater degree of spiritual freedom. ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Never miss a thing. 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