Epsom Salt Foot Soak – Reduce stress, anxiety and inflammation

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Every night right before I go to bed you can find me doing an Epsom salt foot soak. I’ve seen such great benefits from doing it, I hardly ever skip a night! It’s super easy to make and quick to do.

Epsom salt baths are fantastic for relaxing your whole body and getting the benefits of magnesium, but if you don’t have time to take a bath you can pretty much get the same benefits by doing an Epsom salt foot soak. You don’t need a tub, so it’s very convenient to do anytime and anywhere.

Why Use Epsom Salt:

MAGNESIUM
Epsom salts provide many health benefits. When added to water, the minerals are easily absorbed through your skin. Which is the best way to boost your magnesium (aside from through food). Sometimes getting the magnesium transdermally can be a good way because it is less affected by activity in your gut, from things like stomach acids and digestive enzymes. When the liver and stomach are bypassed more of the magnesium can go directly into the bloodstream.

Most of us need to increase our magnesium because it is estimated that at least 50% of Americans are deficient in this mineral. Magnesium can get depleted whenever we are under stress or have anxiety.

One study found that a daily 20 minute Epsom salt foot soak resulted in a significant increase in individuals overall magnesium level in 4 weeks.

Since Epsom salt increases your magnesium, it has also been found correspondingly helpful in increasing the level of serotonin in your brain, which is a “happy” chemical and this helps make your feel good and relaxed!

Cardiovascular benefits of Epsom Salts
Epsom salts may also help your cardiovascular system by improving circulation, elasticity of the arteries, and lowering your inflammation. It can even help lower your blood pressure! When your arteries benefit, then you reduce the risk of blood clots, accumulation of plaque and lessen any damage that may happen to the arterial wall. To get these full benefits you may want to try a bath.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Flush out toxins
• Increase and absorb magnesium
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Relieve muscle aches, pain, and cramping
• Eliminates odors
• Treats foot fungus
• Helps regulate blood sugar

The benefits I’ve seen from doing Epsom salt foot soaks:

Every time I do an Epsom salt foot soak, I feel a difference in just 20 minutes of soaking my feet! I notice I feel less stressed and more relaxed. Since I started doing one every night, my sleep has also improved. I get to sleep easier and don’t wake up as often in the middle of the night.

How to Do an Epsom Salt Foot Soak:

What you need:

• A large container of any kind big enough to soak your feet in (I use a plastic bin)
• 1/4 cup of Epsom salts
• Warm water (Not too hot, or you won’t get the optimum benefits)

For additional benefits you may also want to add ( I only add these occasionally, once a month)

• You can add essential oils, like a drop or two of lavender. Lavender gives a soothing and calming effect which aids in relaxation. This is especially helpful to use near bed time. Many find it help them get to sleep easier.
• Some like to add in ginger or cayenne to help boost the detoxifying benefits.
• A few tablespoons of baking soda can also be added to help with detoxification and also soften your skin.

Steps:

1. Add the Epsom salt to your container and add warm water from your sink or tub (enough so that the water will come up to your ankles when you put your feet in).
2. Find a comfy spot to do the Epsom salt foot soak because you need to do it for at least 30 minutes. I like to sit in a comfy chair and watch TV while soaking my feet.

How Long Should you the Epsom Salt Foot Soak and How Often?

I typically do an Epsom salt foot soak for 30 to 45 minutes every night or at least a few times a week. Some recommend doing it for at least a full 40 minutes in order to allow your body time to get rid of the toxins and fully absorb the magnesium.