Taking a bath at the end of a long day sounds like a luxury, but it’s actually full of health benefits. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I post a lot of Instagram stories from the bath. I take at least 3 baths a week to manage anxiety and chronic pain from fibromyalgia and scoliosis. I’m surprised how many messages I get about baths—like why do I take so many baths? What are the benefits of taking a bath? Do I do anything besides take baths?
Note, please talk to your doctor before you take an epsom salt bath, as increase in body temperature may cause more harm than good–some people, like those with POTS, using IVF or with yeast overgrowth should NOT take a hot bath. I’m just talking about my personal experience and I am not a doctor at all.
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate.
Epsom salt is tiny, colorless crystals that look like table salt, but it’s a completely different thing (table salt is made up of sodium chloride).
Epsom Salt (magnesium) is easily absorbed through the skin, but it can be used both externally and internally.
Magnesium plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, helping you to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety.
Magnesium deficiency can cause muscular symptoms (cramps, tremor, spasms, weakness), fatigue, loss of appetite, apathy, confusion, sound and light sensitivity, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, poor memory, and brain fog.
Gross.
If you have Fibromyalgia, magnesium deficiency is extremely common and can make your flares even worse.
Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths
Soothes muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints. Magnesium also:
- relaxes nervous system
- reduces effects of adrenaline
- produces serotonin
- reduces stress
- soothes back & body pain
- eases muscle strain
- alleviates tension headaches
- soothes cramp
- reduces inflammation
- heals cuts
- eliminates toxins
- boosts magnesium levels
- helps to regulate fluid retention in cells
- facilitates the body’s use of calcium to transmit chemical signals throughout the nervous system
- regulates blood sugar
Take An Epsom Salt Bath
Start the water. Dump in as much as epsom salt as you want—the more the merrier! Submerge yourself in a warm epsom salt bath to alleviate stress, acute and chronic pain.
Also: BATHS AREN’T JUST FOR BABIES AND GIRLS. MEN, GET IN THE TUB. THANK ME LATER.
What About Bath Bombs?
Um, YEAH. Those are pretty cool too. Look for “magnesium sulfate” as one of the first ingredients for more ~*health*~ benefits. Some are made with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which don’t have the same health benefits but instead just bubble in water and are still quite relaxing. If you’re just looking for a relaxing time in the tub, knock yourself out with those effervescent balls.
Also fun: BUBBLE BATHS.
When’s the last time you took a bubble bath?
No bath tub?
Fill up a small tub or two bowls and soak your feet. The epsom salt will still absorb through your skin.
OR Use Epsom Salt Body Lotion
I discovered this Dr. Teals Epsom Salt Lotion on Amazon and use it on days I don’t take baths. Epsom salt is easily absorbed through the skin and therefore lotion is a really good way to get your magnesium (or you could just take magnesium supplements).
Do you take baths? Got a full bath routine? Haven’t taken a bath since you were a little kid?
P.S. if anyone knows where I can find a black rubber ducky, hit me up.
P.P.S. I really want matte black hardware in my bathtub, help me find some!!!!
Becca Risa Luna 
I love these!
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