Lets get Salty

Benefits of Bath Salts

by Diana E. Perez

After a long day, a tough workout or a bout of extra achiness, it is understandable that you would want something to help you feel better. Bath salts can offer much needed relief and relaxation with a nice long soak, as a skin cleanser or scrub. Whether made from Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, Himalayan Pink salt or some nice combination, the mineral-rich content of bath salts provides many health benefits your body can use when you're having a rough day.

Although each bath salt has its specific components that help the body, some of the minerals to consider are magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur and calcium. These things can have therapeutic effects for various ailments that affect muscles, nerves, inflammation and skin. With varying degrees effectiveness, bath salts can potentially help with many illnesses or injuries. For example: eclampsia, psoriasis, eczema, blood pressure, cleansing pores, neuromuscular disorders, cardiac problems, sleep complications, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and sinusitis, to name just a few.

For casual and occasional use, bath salts are a great option for relief. However, because they contain properties that can affect your health, even if only a small amount, it is important to check with your doctor before using bath salts for any specific illness or major injury to be certain a bath salt you're considering will not have an adverse effect. Your doctor can also help you decide which bath salts will be best for your condition.

Bath Salts can:

• ... pull toxins from the body and detoxify the skin by opening up your pores and letting the minerals do their work.
• ... aid in improvements of blood circulation which help prevent heart-related illnesses and reduces muscle tenderness. As the arteries expand, blood flow increases, helping the muscles.
• ... help relieve symptoms from some skin irritations. Whether minerals soak in or the salts are gently scrubbed off on affected skin, bath salts can help with your skin too.
• ... help with nerve functioning by aiding in electrolyte regulation and hydration. This also adds to positive effects on muscles.
• ... aid as anti-inflammatories that help to relieve pain, soreness or bronchial inflammation. This is very helpful if you're having problems with certain respiratory issues or headaches.
• ... help in treatment and management of pain. This is particularly beneficial for individuals that suffer from chronic pain problems.
• ... help in lowering stress and relaxing the body by increasing levels of magnesium. This is one of the key ingredients (though not the only one) that makes all the positive effects happen, which will de-stress your body and help it relax.

With all these health benefits, it is more than worth taking a little time to treat yourself to a soak with bath salts. You can reduce your stress levels, improve your health and just reap the benefits.