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Informational Posts / Lifestyle

Can Epsom Salts Help Thyroid Symptoms?

Originally published on 20th December 2016
Last updated on 9th February 2024

Epsom salt usage is becoming increasingly popular, especially among those with thyroid conditions, and there’s good reason why.

I use Epsom salts once or twice a week in a bath, and as and when I feel I need it in a foot soak, too.

A bag of Epsom Salts


What Are Epsom Salts?

Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, which therefore, makes it a great source of magnesium. Some thyroid patients will use these salts in a bath or foot soak instead of taking magnesium supplements. There is some belief that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin.

How are Epsom Salts useful for thyroid problems?  Let’s explore below. 

A foamy bubble bath.

1. As a De-Stressor

A  bath with Epsom salts can help you unwind and get ready for bed; relaxing muscles and leaving you feeling de-stressed. The magnesium in the salts relieve stress by promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline. Magnesium is also important in the production of energy and helping us to feel invigorated, but without feelings of restlessness or anxiety.

2. For Aches and Pains

Many thyroid patients (including myself) say that Epsom salts help their aching muscles and tired legs or feet, headaches and more.

With cold and flu season underway, you could try soaking in Epsom salts as it should ease muscle aches and pains and help you get a good night’s rest.

3. For Regulating Blood Sugar

Both magnesium and sulfate (Epsom salts’ ingredients) help to improve production and use of insulin too. Therefore, regular intake of them may help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes.

(Although it’s important to still have a balanced diet and not use methods such as Epsom salts in place of one!)

4. For Magnesium Deficiency?

Thyroid patients may be more likely to be low or deficient in magnesium. Could taking an Epsom salt bath help this?

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If you’re interested in giving this multi-use, loved-by-many Epsom Salt a go, I’ve put a link to it here.

Have you tried Epsom Salts? What did you think?

You can click on the hyperlinks in the above post to learn more and see references to information given.

About Author

Rachel Hill is the internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, speaker and bestselling author behind The Invisible Hypothyroidism. She has advocated online for better thyroid disease awareness, diagnosis, treatment and management since 2015 and has won multiple awards for her online thyroid advocacy work, including a WEGO Health Award and Social Health Award. She is also a Certified Patient Leader through the Health Union Certification. She is well-recognised as a leading thyroid health advocate in the thyroid community and has received recognitions for her work and dedication. Her weekly thyroid patient newsletter is a Substack Bestseller, which has also featured in the Top 10 for Health and Wellness. Rachel has spoken on countless podcasts and at various events and has been on non-profit boards, patient councils and advisory boards, including The American College of Thyroidology. Rachel has worked with and been featured by UK thyroid charities, The National Academy of Hypothyroidism, The BBC, Yahoo, MSN, ThyroidChange and more. Her bestselling thyroid books include "Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate", "You, Me and Hypothyroidism", "The Positive Thyroid Pregnancy Book" and the children's book "Thyroid Superhero".