Epsom salt is essentially magnesium sulfate, which can be very beneficial to your body. You need magnesium to help ensure you have proper muscle and nerve growth, as well as enzyme function.
Though little research has been done on the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate on helping with the symptoms of diabetes, there may be some link to it helping with some of its side effects.
Magnesium sulfate (or magnesium sulphate) is an inorganic salt (chemical compound) containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4. It is often encountered as the heptahydrate sulfate mineral epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O), commonly calledEpsom salt, taking its name from a bitter saline spring in Epsom in Surrey, England, where the salt was produced from the springs that arise where the porous chalk of the North Downs meets non-porous London clay. The monohydrate, MgSO4·H2O is found as the mineral kieserite. The overall global annual usage in the mid 1970s of the monohydrate was 2.3 million tons, of which the majority was used in agriculture.[1]
Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is used as a drying agent. The anhydrous form is hygroscopic (readily absorbs water from the air) and is therefore difficult to weigh accurately; the hydrate is often preferred when preparing solutions (for example, in medical preparations). Epsom salt has been traditionally used as a component of bath salts. Epsom salt can also be used as a beauty product. Athletes use it to soothe sore muscles, while gardeners use it to improve crops. It has a variety of other uses. Epsom Salts are also effective in the removal of splinters.[2]
It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.[3]
Benefits
When Epsom salt is absorbed into the body through a foot soak or bath, it may help increase the effectiveness of insulin production. This could help your body regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar regulation is essential to reduce the risk of further health issues associated with diabetes. An Epsom salt foot bath may also help relieve tension, pain and swelling in the feet as well, which is often a symptom of diabetes.
Magnesium sulfate is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation.
Not all external uses for magnesium sulfate have been approved by the FDA. Epsom salt should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Magnesium Sulfate (Injection)
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.
Magnesium sulfate injection is used to treat hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in your blood).
Magnesium sulfate injection is also used to prevent seizures in pregnant women with conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy.
Magnesium sulfate injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
In This Section:
What is the most important information I should know about Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Never use a higher dose of magnesium sulfate than recommended on the package label, or as your doctor has directed. Using too much magnesium sulfate can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have: severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon, or a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.
If you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop using the medication and call your doctor at once. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
Magnesium Sulfate (Injection)
If possible before you receive magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are dehydrated. Also tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any street drugs.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Magnesium Sulfate?
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative without medical advice if you have:
- severe stomach pain
- nausea or vomiting
- a perforated bowel
- a bowel obstruction or severe constipation
- colitis or toxic megacolon; or
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia)
- if you have already been using a laxative for longer than 1 week; or
- if you on a low-magnesium diet
It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether magnesium sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Magnesium Sulfate (Injection)
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any street drugs. These factors can affect the way magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.
If possible before you receive magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
- if you are dehydrated
FDA pregnancy category D. You should not use magnesium sulfate if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Magnesium sulfate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.