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Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral salt and is also known as magnesium sulphate. Resembling table salt, it\u2019s most commonly used a bath soak to to help relieve stress and sore muscles.<\/strong><\/p>\n The name \u2018Epsom salt\u2019 refers to the town of Epsom, near London, in England, where the salt from a saline spring is said to have been discovered about 400 years ago.<\/p>\n Most people don\u2019t consume enough magnesium in their diet, so many believe that it can be absorbed through the skin in an Epsom salt bath \u2013 although there are no definitive studies showing that magnesium can actually be absorbed through your skin in sufficient amounts to address potential deficiencies of the mineral. And what research has been done\u00a0offers skepticism<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Magnesium is essential for maintaining good health and plays a key role in everything from exercise performance to heart health and brain function.<\/p>\n Pumpkin seeds, boiled spinach, almonds, chia seeds, peanut butter and avocados are a few examples of magnesium-rich foods.<\/p>\n Magnesium helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactate<\/strong><\/a>, so getting enough in your diet is key. But some people claim that taking Epsom salt baths can also reduce muscle soreness and relieve cramps \u2014 both important factors for exercise performance and recovery.<\/p>\n Relaxing in a hot bath certainly has the effect of soothing aching muscles, but there\u2019s no actual scientific evidence that people absorb bathwater magnesium through their skin, so any benefits are purely anecdotal.<\/p>\n Athletes are prone to low magnesium levels, so health professionals often recommend that they take magnesium supplements to ensure optimal levels.<\/p>\n Again, based mostly on anecdotal evidence, when\u00a0you soak in an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium may be absorbed into your body through the skin, which\u00a0may help relax muscles, reduce swelling and pain from arthritis, and relieve pain from fibromyalgia (a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body) and various causes.<\/p>\n Even if it is a placebo effect, there are no side effects from simply having a nice long soak in a warm bath!<\/p>\n Two to three times a week for approximately 30 minutes each bath.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no reason why you shouldn\u2019t have an Epsom salt bath the night before a race, as studies indicate that having any kind of warm bath before bed can aid sleep \u2013 which is key before a long day racing triathlon. Personally, we\u2019d save the Epsom salt bath for after a race, to make the most of any potential muscle-recovery benefits.<\/p>\nWhat are the benefits of magnesium for athletes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is Epsom salt good for muscle recovery?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why does Epsom salt help muscles?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How long should an athlete soak in Epsom salt?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is Epsom salt good before a race?<\/strong><\/h2>\n