For many years, whenever I was sore from working out or training hard, my mother told me to take a hot bath and add some Epsom salts. For over 40 years of not listening, I never used Epsom salts but one day recently, I gave them a try. I didn’t think I would get much from them but was I wrong.
So much pain but so much relief…
My hips and legs were extra sore from a hard Karate class the day before, and if you read my training blog at shotokanplanet.org you can see how I abuse my body in Karate class, so I turned on the hot water and poured about two cups of Epsom Salts in the tub. After just a few minutes of getting into the tub the pain in my hips and legs started to subside. It was almost like magic. I had soaked in the tub before without the Epsom salts but I never noticed much, if any, pain reduction while soaking. This must be some magic powder so I went to internet to see what it was all about.
Who would have thought, there is an Epsom Salt Council…
After a quick Google, I found an interesting website called epsomsaltcouncil.org. After a quick read, Epsom salt is magnesium and sulfate. Per the website, “magnesium is the second most abundant element and the forth most important positively charged ion in the body. It also helps regulate enzymes in the body that are important to bodily functions such as muscle control, impulses to the nervous system, energy production and it can even eliminate harmful toxins.” Per the website, The National Academy of Sciences says that most Americans get just 80% of the needed amount of magnesium for good health and I would guess that hard training Karate students and athletes get even less.
What all this means is that a deficiency in this element can cause poor heath and I would guess, poor or less than optimal performance. Some of the following health issues can be related to magnesium deficiency:
- heart disease
stroke
osteoporosis
arthritis and joint pain
digestive maladies
stress-related illnesses
chronic fatigue
The major illness or aliment that I am most concerned with is arthritis and joint pain along with stress-related illness and chronic fatigue. Since my hips are often very sore after class and my ankles hurt because of arthritis, I am always interested in natural remedies. Anything that lessens my aches and pains and helps reduce stress and fatigue is always good when I push my body to the extreme in my training.
Don’t forget about the sulfates…
Epsom salt also contains sulfates. Per the website, sulfates are hard to get through food but are easily absorbed through the skin. They can help the body with the formation of brain tissue, joint tissue and can help detoxify the body.
Soak instead of swallow…
If we are low in magnesium then why don’t I just take a magnesium supplement from the local vitamin shop. Taking a magnesium supplement orally can reduce the effectiveness and uptake of the element. Others foods that we eat, medicines or the acids on our stomachs can reduce the uptake of magnesium where as soaking in it allows the magnesium to be absorbed through our skin. Who would have thought that relaxing in the tub for a little while with a couple of cups of Epsom salt could be so good for our bodies.
My real world testing…
In the name of science, I am willing to use my body as a test lab, within reason of course. After using Epsom salts, for just a couple weeks, I have noticed the following:
-
Reduced pain in my hips, ankles and other body parts that are sore from hard training following the bath.
No more muscle cramps.
Reduced swelling in my ankles.
Softer skin I am noticing a significant decrease in the eczema on my hands.
An unexpected decrease in my allergy symptoms even though I have been spending more time outside.
As far as lab controls, I haven’t changed my eating habits, I am not taking any new supplements and I am training just as hard, if not harder, than before.
Are you soaking yet…
If you are sore you should be soaking now. Go get some Epsom salts at the local drug store or even the grocery store. I am buying mine at the local grocery store for $1.00 for a 22 ounce package. I hope that this helps anyone who has joint pain from hard workouts or any other activity like it does me.
I need to call my mom and tell her that the advice she has been giving me about Epsom salts for many years is correct.
Let me know if any of you find the same or other benefits from using Epsom salts like I have.
For more information about this and other uses of Epsom salt be sure to visit www.epsomsaltcouncil.org.
*NOTE – If you have any health issues or are taking medication, be sure to contact your health provider or pharmacist before you use Epsom salt just in case.