Epsom Salt Bath Benefits for Weight Loss

Tired of empty promises from weight loss diet plans and 15-minute belly fat burner machines? Not all diet plans are effective and not every exercise equipment out there is suitable for your body type. If you want to skip the hassle of going to the gym, taking expensive supplements and watching your weight every single morning, you should have a look at this new alternative to all weight loss plans. 

This new option is nothing but an Epsom salt bath. You may have heard about this mysterious salt from an athlete friend of yours who uses it to relieve muscle stiffness and joint pain caused by injuries or prolonged training sessions. It is also very popular among the marathon runner’s community. But an Epsom salt bath can also aid weight loss and that too without making a considerable effort. 

What is Epsom salt?

Before moving forward, it’s important to know what you are dealing with as misuse or improper application of Epsom salt can lead you into some serious trouble. Ultimately, it is a chemical component and needs to be used in the right proportion. The chemical name of Epsom salt is Magnesium Sulphate and people call it Epsom salt as it was first discovered in the British town of Epsom.

Unlike common salt that you use for cooking, Epsom salt has a different texture and consistency. It is smoother and appears very shiny; as opposed to grainy. Do not get confused between common salt(Sodium Chloride) and Epsom salt, they both are very different. Epsom salt contains a higher amount of magnesium which is very necessary for a healthy and fit body. Moreover, consumption of Magnesium in right amounts also regulates muscles, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.

How does Epsom salt bath aid weight loss?

1. Magnesium present in Epsom salt is even better than statin drugs

Statin drugs are prescribed by doctors to a patient who has an increased risk of death by a heart stroke or other cholesterol-related heart diseases. They are very effective in reducing cholesterol and hence people consuming statin drugs are seen to lose more than 30 percent of their total body weight. However, these drugs have some serious side effects.

A recent study by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition concluded that consumption of Magnesium is even better than statin drugs and it also does not have any of the dreadful side effects(as that of statin drugs). Consumption of magnesium, whether orally or via Epsom salt bath, activates certain enzymes in the body which aid weight loss. This study also states that optimal levels of Magnesium in our cell work as a natural calcium channel blocker which helps dilate the blood vessels.

When you add Epsom salt to your bathtub, it mixes with water and releases Magnesium in it. Magnesium gets absorbed by your skin and enters your bloodstream. Hence, an Epsom salt bath method of magnesium consumption is as effective for weight loss as having it in a pill form.

2. Consumption of magnesium sulfate improves metabolic control in overweight people

This is another reason why you should continue to take Epsom salt baths to melt away those extra pounds. An Irani study found that oral supplementation of magnesium sulfate can revive overweight people by improving their plasma insulin level, lipid profile, and insulin resistance. The main purpose of this study was to prove how important Magnesium is for a healthy body. 

Deficiency of magnesium is one of the common causes behind obesity. I get that the participants of this study have to take oral supplements of magnesium instead of absorbing them via their skin. But, ultimately, it proves how vital magnesium is for weight loss. This is what gives us a green flag to keep believing that regular Epsom salt baths can lead to weight loss.

How to prepare the Epsom salt bath and how often should you do it?

Epsom salt baths are relaxing and soothing for your body and mind. So, try to take these baths on days you plan to rest the entire day. 

Epsom salts are available in any of your nearest drug stores. You can buy them for cheap. Add  4-5 scoops of Epsom salt to your bathtub with warm water in it. You can add more depending on the size of your bathtub. 

You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the water to create a total spa-like feeling in your bathroom. Essential oils are also known for their relaxing qualities and adding them along with Epsom salt won’t cause any harm.

Taking Epsom salts every day is not a great idea as you want the intake of magnesium regulated. Your body will simply stop absorbing magnesium if you overdo it. So, taking  Epsom salt baths once or twice a week will provide enough minerals to your body to facilitate weight loss.