Body Science
Soak Away Your Soreness By Sean Falconer
There are few things better than soaking in a bath after a hard workout or run , letting the hot water soothe those tired , sore muscles , but that post-workout soak can be taken to another level with the simple addition of Epsom salt .
In 1618 , an unknown farmer led his cows to a spring near the small town of Epsom , England , but found that they wouldn ’ t drink the water . He tasted it himself and found it to be very bitter , but also noticed a few days later that the scratches and rash on his hands seemed to have been healed by the water . Word soon spread of the healing waters of Epsom , and today a worldwide industry in Epsom salt is still going strong !
What the good farmer had discovered was a spring rich in hydrated magnesium sulphate , due to the soil types in that area . It is a naturallyoccurring pure mineral compound that offers numerous health benefits as well as many beauty , household and gardening-related uses – but for us athletes , possibly the best use is as a bath salt , in a process known as Transdermal Magnesium Therapy .
Transdermal means the magnesium sulphate is delivered through the skin and right into the bloodstream , and is one of the best ways of administering medicines quickly and effectively without it affecting the sensitive digestive system . Studies have shown that magnesium and sulphate are both readily absorbed through the skin , and the added bonus is that Epsom salt slows the rate at which your skin wrinkles in water , so you can soak longer without worrying if you ’ ll look like a raisin when you re-emerge .
Gaining the Benefits
Magnesium plays a number of vital roles in the body , including regulating the activity of over 320 enzymes , while sulphate helps improve the absorption of nutrients , so the list of benefits of Transdermal Magnesium Therapy is impressive :
• Eases stress and relaxes the body : Magnesium helps to produce serotonin , a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation . Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline and improving sleep and concentration .
• Increases energy and stamina : Magnesium encourages the production of ATP ( adenosine triphosphate ), the energy packets made in the cells , helping you to look better , feel better and gain more energy .
• Relieves pain and inflammation : Treats cuts , sore muscles , bruises , strains and sprains , as well as bronchial asthma and migraine headaches .
• Helps muscles and nerves function properly : Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body , ensuring proper functioning of the muscles , nerves and enzymes . Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium , which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body .
• Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots : Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes , by improving blood circulation , protecting the elasticity of arteries , and preventing blood clots .
• Makes insulin more effective : Proper magnesium and sulphate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body , helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes .
• Eliminates toxins from the body : Sulphate helps flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells , easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances .
Other conditions or problems that can be cured or treated with Epsom salt include Athlete ’ s Foot , toenail fungus , foot odour , splinters , skin problems ( specifically blackheads ), colds and congestion , and gout . So , get yourself some Epsom salt bath salt and soak away the soreness , tiredness and a host of other ailments . ( Please note : It is unlikely you will overdose on magnesium or suffer side-effects from Transdermal Magnesium Therapy , but if pregnant , first consult a doctor before soaking in an Epsom salt bath .)
Sean Falconer is a running journalist and magazine editor , and has been writing about all things writing for 25 years , including interviewing five Marathon World Record-holders and sprinting great Usain Bolt . He joined Modern Athlete in 2009 and is now one of the three co-owners of the magazine . He has been running since 1995 and has run several hundred half marathons and a handful of marathons , and participated in multi-day stage races in places as diverse as the Wild Coast in South Africa and the Himalayan foothills in India .
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