Tips to Use Epsom Salt for Constipation

A large number of people face the problem of constipation after certain years of age. It is common that you want a fast relief, if you are constipated. While various stimulant laxative are available for constipation, they may cause explosive bowel movements as well as cramping.

Therefore, experts recommend more natural ways. Epsom salt for constipation is a great technique as Epsom salt is considered fast and a gentle way to get relief from constipation.

To explain the importance of Epsom salt for constipation, we have discussed all the issues related to its treatment from its usage, benefits, precaution as well as side effects.

What is Epsom Salt?

Although Epsom salt looks like normal sodium chloride or table salt, it is not made with the same ingredients. The salt is made up of magnesium as well as sulfate. It got its name from the place where it was discovered, Epsom in England.

Regular use of Epsom salt can be benefited in soft skin, soothing to tired feet and relief from muscle ache. Epsom salt has been widely used in bath salts and skin scrubs. Consuming epsom salt helps in relieving constipation.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a medical condition occurs when your stool takes longer time from the digestive tract and it becomes hard and dry. This may cause a reduction or total loss of bowel movements. Experts say that you can suffer with constipation if your bowel movements are less than around three times a week or less than your normal routine.

The condition of constipation can be chronic as well as temporary. In both the conditions, it is highly uncomfortable.

Symptoms of Constipation

Some of the major symptoms of constipation includes,

• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Hard stools
• Need to remove stools manually
• Fullness even after bowel movement
• Straining in bowel movements

Causes of Constipation

The condition of constipation may occur due to following reasons

• Dehydration
• Laxative abuse
• Stress
• Lack of workout
• Fiber deficiency

Serious conditions due to constipation includes,

• Pelvic floor muscle problems
• Intestinal blockages
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes

● Various neurological conditions such as

• Stroke
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis

● Complications of constipation

Prolonged constipation may lead to further serious medical emergencies such as,

• Anal fissures
• Rectal prolapse
• Hemorrhoids
• Fecal impaction

How Does Epsom Salt Help to Get Rid of Constipation?

There are few important reasons behind the effectiveness of epsom salt for constipation.

• Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate, which is a food product which can act as an amazing laxative that releases more water into the bowels and makes them soft.
• Magnesium in epsom salt helps in promoting contraction of the bowel muscles which in turn helps in releasing stool more easily.
• Epsom salt can also work as a great detoxifying agent for cleaning of a colon.

How to Use Epsom Salt for Constipation?

There are few ways through which you can use Epsom salt for constipation. To use Epsom salt for curing constipation,

• In around 1-2 glasses of water, mix Epsom salt.
• You can even add some lime juice to improve the taste of it.
• Consume the drink fully in just one go.
• If you don’t any relief try to repeat the process 4-5 times a day.
• Follow the process every day.

Points to Remember

• Read all the important instructions printed on the packaging
• You can add around 2 tablespoons of salt in water as well as in fruit juice.

1. Epsom Salt Bath

Taking Epsom salt baths regularly helps in reducing the deficiency of magnesium which is caused by prolonged constipation. This process does not have any side effects and helps in providing better relief. To take Epsom salt bath, follow the given steps,

• Add enough Epsom salt in your bathing bucket or bathtub
• Mix it well and let it soak for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse your body well after bathing
• Dry the skin with the help of a towel.
• Repeat the process regularly.

You can even try other process. It not only helps in the cleansing colon but also helps in relieving constipation,

• Add some Epsom salt in a warm water for your bathing.
• Ad ½ spoon of ginger powder as well as baking soda into it and mix it well.
• Soak yourself in the mixture for 20-30 minutes so that the magnesium gets soaked into your body and colon to detoxify it.
• Try this method thrice a week till your constipation gets reduced.

Is Epsom salt safe for pregnant women?

Epsom salt intake may cause harm to the unborn baby in mother’s stomach. It is, therefore, important to consult with your doctor before starting to consume this mineral salt. Regular use of Epsom salt may cause a deficiency of calcium as well as bone problems in the unborn baby.

You can use the method of Epsom salt bath, however. It is considered safe. Just ensure that the water is not too hot. This method also helpful in providing relief from aches as well as pregnancy apart from constipation. Just get out of the tub and make yourself cool if you feel sweaty in the tub.

Although this salt has been considered safe for breastfeeding women, it is important to some precautions and to consult with your doctor for safety points.

A dosage of Epsom salt for constipation

You should always follow the given epsom salt for constipation dosage guidelines to reap most of the benefits.

Children with 12 years of age and older as well as adults can consume around 2-4 teaspoons of epsom salt in around 1-2 glasses of water, while children with 6-11 years of age can consume 1-2 teaspoons of epsom salt in 1-2 glasses of water.

Remember to drink the mixture immediately after preparing for better health benefits.

Tips and Precautions To Prevent Constipation

Although Epsom salt provides a better solution over constipation, you should not depend on laxatives more than the required quantities. To solve the problem of constipation naturally, follow the given tips.

• Do regular exercises or walk around 10,000 steps daily.
• Consume fiber in enough quantities such as fruits, seeds, nuts, vegetables and whole grains
• Drink a lot of water
• Reduce your stress through meditation, psychotherapy, walking as well as yoga.
• Few drugs can even cause constipation such as blood pressure drugs, sedatives, opioids. Therefore it is important to ask your doctor for medications which does not causes constipation.