I am a huge fan of epsom salts so I wanted to share tell you why baths containing these 'salts' were part of my daughter's gut healing protocol since Day 1, and where I purchase from.
Epsom salts are inorganic salts also known as magnesium sulfate.
The benefits are easily absorbed through the skin, both useful for supporting our detox pathways and making it possible to raise your blood levels of magnesium and sulfate, which helps to:
+ relax the body and ease stress
+ relieve muscle aches, migraine headache and body pains
+ improve electrolyte balance in the body
+ enhance the actions of insulin (and therefore reduce the risk of diabetes)
+ improve blood circulation and the elasticity of blood vessels
+ relieve constipation
+ help our detoxification pathways to more efficiently remove toxins from the body
+ relieve inflammation
+ exfoliate and cleanse the skin
+ impart a mild antiseptic action
Let's break it down a bit more:
Magnesium
A 'master' mineral that’s essential for good health, as it's required for over 300 biochemical processes, and it also happens to be something many of us are chronically low in - especially where there is a leaky gut. It has anti-inflammatory properties, supports a digestive enzyme called DAO which can help degrade histamine in the tract, blocks the release of pro-inflammatory factors making it useful for the treatment of asthma, gout, muscle cramps and eczema to reduce lesions and itching but also to hydrate the skin and prevent growth of eczema-causing bacteria and fungi with its antimicrobial effect.
Sulphate
Also essential for good health to support our detox pathways and to start the cascade of digestive enzymes released from the pancreas to digest our foods efficiently. Low sulphate has also been found in those with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), however it's shown to be best absorbed from the skin as it's not easily absorbed through the gut wall. In addition, adding sulphate/sulfate can help support the gentle removal toxins and heavy metals from the body by supporting our own detoxification pathways (liver, urine, sweat and faeces).
By adding magnesium and sulfate via the skin we can support immunity, detoxification and the gut and can also speed up skin barrier recovery. In my opinion, it is often an essential element to any skin and gut healing program.
Purchasing Epsom Salts
Where to buy
Blants New Zealand - use code ML20 for 5% off your order when logged in. Highest grade epsom salts available in NZ with no heavy metals contamination (note: must be logged in for the code to work).
iHerb - use code GVJ251 at checkout for 5% off your order. Ships worldwide.
You can also buy epsom salts at your supermarket, pharmacy or health store. Just make sure you get pharmaceutical quality, and not the huge sacks of cheap salts from animal stores.
Suggestions for Use
Note! Because Epsom Salts promote more efficient elimination pathways, it's always best to start low and increase slowly as our intention is to nourish not punish, especially true for young children.
ADULTS
Start with half a cup or less of Epsom Salts in a bath (or foot bath) of water per day. Soak in the bath for at least ten minutes but ideally up to 30 minutes a day – relax and enjoy!
Over a period of a few weeks, you can increase the quantities to two to four cups of Epsom Salts however generally one or two cups is perfectly sufficient for most.
CHILDREN
For babies, young children and those with eczema, start super low and go slow with just one tablespoon in the bath, and gradually increase towards one cup for younger children or two cups for older children.
Most children find the baths make them sleepy but others get wired right up, especially if quantities are too high or their detoxification pathways are incredibly congested so play around with the time of day and remember to ease in.
No Bath?
If you don't have a full sized bath, foot baths are a great alternative. I don't recommend using a plastic vessel however - ceramic or stainless steel would be much better.
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If you have kidney disease or any other type of medical condition, please consult your doctor before using.
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