As you know, I’m a major advocate of the proper forms of magnesium through different delivery methods due to this minerals potent impact on health.
Our top soil is being destroyed at a record pace.
As a result, this reduces the total amount of magnesium and other forms of nutrition in the food that we eat.
Today, we’re talking about magnesium sulfate. Otherwise known as epsom salt. I firmly believe it’s a classic 80/20 example of one supplement that produces an incredible amount of health benefit.
Have you ever been to the Dead Sea in Jordan?
I have many times since half of my family is from there. It’s an incredible experience, so if you ever get the chance, visit it and bask in its salty waters.
What makes the Dead Sea so special is that it contains an incredible amount of magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) along with other minerals.
It’s important to note that the exact composition of the Dead Sea's minerals can vary depending on several factors, including location and time.
On average, the Dead Sea's water contains about 1.4% magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and 0.4% magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). This means that for every 100 grams of Dead Sea water, you would find approximately 0.4 grams of magnesium sulfate.
It's also worth noting that the high mineral content of the Dead Sea, including magnesium sulfate, contributes to its buoyancy and therapeutic properties, making it a popular destination for spa treatments and skin care products.
People add an immense amount of epsom salt to sensory deprivation tanks for this reason - to create the necessary buoyancy and reap the health benefits.
How Does Magnesium Sulfate Work?
It works in several ways:
1) It increases the amount of water in the intestines, causing vasodilation (widening blood vessels + improving blood flow).
2) It blocks the entry of calcium into synaptic endings, which alters neuromuscular transmission. It’s effective at preventing certain types of seizures + convulsions because it blocks transmission between nerves and muscles
Fun fact: It was first used anecdotally for the control of eclamptic seizures in the early 1900s. Now, magnesium sulfate remains one of the most commonly used medications in obstetric practice today, hence it has withstood the test of time.
Onto the benefits.
Magnesium Sulfate Treats Constipation
When taken orally, magnesium sulfate can act as a laxative.
It works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and promoting bowel movements. This makes it helpful for relieving occasional constipation. It's important to note that oral magnesium sulfate should only be used under medical supervision and in the recommended dosage.
Magnesium Sulfate Promotes Relaxation
Magnesium sulfate has muscle relaxant properties.
When dissolved in warm water and used in baths or applied topically, it can help relax muscles and relieve muscle tension. This makes it useful for soothing sore muscles, reducing muscle cramps and promoting relaxation.
A common way to add it into your routine is through an epsom salt bath (which I’m all for). BUT.. it’s important to filter municipal tap water to avoid nasty toxicity from the municipal water supply.
Get a bath ball dechlorinator here to keep your bath water clean.
Also, get yourself a solid shower filter for the top portion of your shower.
Treat Symptoms of Preeclampsia & Eclampsia During Pregnancy
Mag sulfate is used via IV to prevent seizures associated with preeclampsia (pregnancy-related hypertension) and to control seizures due to eclampsia.
It shows incredible promise in this regard.
The use of intravenous magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia is well-established and has been shown to be effective in preventing seizures and reducing the risk of maternal and fetal complications. It works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and stabilizing cell membranes.
Note that the administration of magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia should only be done under medical supervision and in a healthcare setting where the mother and baby can be closely monitored. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by healthcare professionals based on the specific condition and needs of the patient.
Respiratory Health Support
Magnesium relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and has other functions. In supplement form, it can be used to manage asthma attacks and improve lung function/breathing.
Soothes Skin Conditions
It has exfoliating properties that can help remove dead skin cells, cleanse the skin, and promote a smoother, softer complexion. It can also assist in reducing inflammation and soothing certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Magnesium and your skin are best friends.
They go hand in hand.
The Most Effective Ways To Get Magnesium Sulfate
There are a handful of lifestyle changes you can make to get more epsom salt into your system and reap its powerful health benefits.
OCEAN SWIMS: Bathe yourself often in Mother Nature’s womb. Magnesium and sulfate ions are naturally present in seawater and the overall presence of magnesium sulfate contributes to the saltiness + mineral content of seawater.
EPSOM SALT SHOWER OR BATH: I personally take the salt and rub it onto my body under warm water while I’m in the shower. You can use a bath, but make sure you filter the municipal tap water or it becomes a toxic shit storm. Get a solid overhead shower filters & a bath ball dechlorinator.
FLOAT TANKS: Go to your local float tank provider and get into the tank. You’ll get an immense amount of epsom salt soaking through the skin. The typical range is around 800 to 1,000 pounds (360 to 450 kilograms) of epsom salt per tank. It’s no joke.
FOOT SOAKS: Simply dump a considerable amount of epsom salt into a container of filtered water and soak your feet for 20+ minutes. This is great for pain & chronic inflammation.
Who Should Take It?
Most people need more epsom salt.
But, here are some special considerations:
Alcoholics
People with a medical condition that causes frequent diarrhea/vomiting or stomach/intestinal absorption problems (such as inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
Type 2 diabetics
People who regularly use diuretics or proton pump inhibitors
People who mostly consume the Standard American Diet
There we go, that’s a solid rundown on magnesium sulfate.
Much love,
Zaid
Nice post Zaid. Regarding pre-eclampsia and magnesium sulfate intravenously. As a prenatal counselor several women adamantly never wanted to have that again, as it was like an electric burning sensation racing through their body. They were VERY motivated to prevent a repeat of preeclampsia or high blood pressure and educating about the DASH diet with a focus on calling the Bean/Nut/Seed group the Magnesium food group they did really well at not having high blood pressure again. Many tried the pumpkin seeds I recommended and liked them.
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, and phospholipids and are Nrf2 promoting so anti-inflammatory.
My own webpage about preeclampsia and a need for vitamin D and magnesium, and TRP channels. https://effectivecare.info/g-preeclampsia-%26-trp-ch