Bath Salts' True Muscle Recovery Secret: Hot Water
An avid runner has discovered an unexpected aid for muscle recovery during intense training. The author, preparing for a gruelling 155-mile (250km) run across Tanzania, tested bath salts to help her body cope with the demands of the journey. Magnesium sulfate, a key ingredient in bath salts, can be absorbed through the skin via hair follicles and sweat glands. This mineral plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and relaxation, maintaining blood pressure and energy levels, and preventing cramps. However, its effectiveness depends on one's magnesium levels; it can boost levels if deficient, but not if already high from a balanced diet. The author's recovery routine initially included stretching, foam rolling, using a massage gun, and wearing recovery sandals. To isolate the effects of bath salts, these methods were temporarily stopped. Over four weeks, the author tested two different brands of bath salts, taking a total of 10 baths with two control baths having no salts. The author found value in the enhanced sensory experience and relaxation provided by bath salts or bubble bath after a run. The legs felt fresher and less tight the day after using bath salts, but the effect could not be solely attributed to the salts. Interestingly, the temperature of the water seemed to be a bigger factor in muscle recovery than the presence of bath salts. Even hot baths without salts felt more effective than stretching or using a massage gun. The author's experiment suggests that while bath salts may offer some benefits, the key to muscle recovery lies in the heat of the bath itself. Regardless of the presence of salts, a hot bath post-run can help muscles recover better than traditional methods like stretching or using a massage gun. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
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