Magnesium sulfate, commonly sold as Epsom salt, can be used as a bath salt to relax tight, aching muscles. Explain this effect in view of what you have learned in this chapter section.


Answer: All Epsom salt contains the naturally occurring minerals of magnesium and sulfate.once dissolved in water, the salt disintegrates into magnesium and sulfate, both of which are readily absorbed through the skin.Magnesium is a vital mineral required by the body to help relax skeletal muscles by flushing lactic acid buildup in the muscles(which causes muscular cramps), which may occur during physical exertion, such as a vigorous workout.Magnesium also plays an important role in the absorption of vitamins in the body and effecting muscular contractility by regulating ca2+ activity.Thus Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body including ca2+  which serves as the main conductor of the electric impulses in thebody.Magnesium on getting in contact with the cell membrane bonds with specific receptor sites that open up the cell membrane and allow other minerals, such as calcium and potassium to enter,regulating muscular contractions and easing pain The sulfates in the salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body detoxify.Thus Epsom salt is known to ease pain and relieve the inflammation.

Anatomy & Physiology

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