Can Epsom Salt help detox?

by SurferChick

My local news station recently had a lady on that was going over how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and and a simple detox plan. She states that by taking a hot bath in two cups of Epsom Salt your body can rid itself of harmful toxins. So I tried it... the only thing I noticed was that while soaking in the Epsom Salt my heart rate skyrocketed, whether I caused it sub-consciously or not I'll never know.

My question is, has anyone else heard of this kind of detox? If so, what are your thoughts?

Posted 11/1/2007 12:18:37 PM
About the Author

SurferChick
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Encinitas, CA

Interests: Being as healthy as I can be while still enjoying life. I like to read, hang out with friends, watch movies, hike, camp, swim and work out.

This blog is written by an individual Wellness.com forum member and does not necessarily state the views of Wellness.com Incorporated or any of its affiliates.

Community Comments!

ewilson 11/2/2007 3:59:10 PM

Surfer chick, I would be skeptical of any detox products or programs. I haven't seen much accepted medical evidence that they do anything. The best "detox" is exercise and healthy diet; at least from my own studies. I must disclaim that I'm not a physician. Here's an article by physicians though: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/detox-diets-purging-myths.

spiritofadventr 11/5/2007 3:21:49 PM

I have taken epsom salt baths periodically to soothe sore muscles from a physically demanding job I used to have. I never experienced any reactions that I would define as being "negative" ie elevated heart-rate, breathing. Instead I felt invigorated, and any open wounds, cuts or scrapes on my hands seemed to heal much quicker after a few baths.

lottelotte 11/7/2007 6:48:03 PM

I read that sometimes you can get flu like symptoms from an epsom bath. There is supposed to be something that you can do to counteract that. I don't know know what it is.

will81 7/24/2008 1:59:41 PM

maybe you got the water temperature too high. a lot of people are using epsom salt baths and other bath salt products for cleansing, relieving muscle aches and relaxing really. more info here