Epsom salt baths pack a serious punch against stress and everyday aches and pains. That is, as long as you do them correctly. So what do I mean by Epsom salt bath “mistake”? I mean that it’s common to not be adding enough Epsom salt to your bath. This might not seem like a big deal, but if you skimp on the salts, you won’t get the benefits of the magnesium they’re made from. And you definitely want the benefits of magnesium as it’s an essential mineral that plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions1 in the body. These reactions play a role in anything from blood sugar balance to muscle relaxation to DNA synthesis, but it also happens to be one of the most common mineral deficiencies in the body. Magnesium has been studied2 as a treatment for headaches, muscle pain and spasms, constipation, skin inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety—just to name a few of its exciting benefits. The directions typically instruct users to add 2 cups of salts to their bath, but many people just sprinkle in a handful or two assuming that will do the trick. But according to Will Cole, D.C., IFMCP, a functional medicine doctor and mindbodygreen Collective member, that won’t quite cut it. “Using the recommended amount of Epsom salt is important to get the maximum potency. If you dilute it, you’ll lessen the benefits,” he says. One study from the University of Birmingham found by using a concentration of 1% Epsom salts 2-3 times per week there was a significant increase in plasma magnesium levels. This would equate to using 4-5 cups (or ½ 5 lb bag) of epsom salts per 30 gallons, the typical bath size. And while the hot baths are soothing, if you want the full benefit of the mineral or have a magnesium deficiency—and it’s estimated that more than half of us1 aren’t getting enough of this mineral through our diets—it’s a good idea to take an oral magnesium supplement to promote benefits both locally and systemically.
