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Is Epsom Salt Good for Arthritis?

Arthritis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of joints. Common symptoms at the joint include pain, redness, stiffness and swelling. Arthritis affects men and women of all age groups and races and is most commonly found in those over the age of 65. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "An estimated 46 million adults in the United States reported being told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis." The condition can be caused by many things, including genetics, trauma, physical strain, obesity and deficiency of organic sodium and minerals.

  1. What They Are

    • Many claim soaking in Epsom salt baths and using creams and lotions with Epsom salt can be used as a home remedy for arthritis. Epsom salts are a magnesium sulfate compound. According to the National Academy of Sciences, most Americans are magnesium deficient, helping to account for our society's high rate of heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, and a host of other ailments. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that the average American male gets 80 percent of magnesium required for good health, while females get only 70 percent of recommended levels. The Epsom Salt Council reports that increased magnesium levels can be achieved by soaking in a bath enriched with magnesium sulfate crystals, or Epsom Salt.

    Epsom Salt Bath

    • Soaking in a bath is the most effective way to use Epsom salt as a home remedy for arthritis. Fill your tub with hot water and add 3 cups of Epsom salt. Step in and soak away. Muscles and stiff joints are relaxed and soothed by soaking in the hot water and absorbing the magnesium in the salt. Epsom salt can also be taken orally by adding 3 tbsp. of Epsom salt and 3 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice to 1 pt. of warm water. Take 1 tbsp. in the morning and one at night. When it is absorbed by the body, the magnesium from the salt helps to sooth and relax muscles and stiff joints affected by arthritis. While arthritiscures.us contends "there is no convincing evidence as yet that (Epsom salt) or anything else causes a real cure," there are plenty of personal experiences to help back that claim.

    Side Effects

    • It is important to always consult your doctor before using alternative home remedies, especially if you have heart or kidney disease. The most commonly reported side effects of Epsom salt baths are nausea, cramps, muscle weakness and diarrhea. Epsom salt baths can also cause excessive drying of skin.

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