Like I said, this is based on my beginner level anatomy and physiology - but it works with IV fluid, so maybe just less directly with a bath type scenario. Anyone know for sure? Please correct me if I’m wrong. - zoe
IV fluid (General, as opposed to LR) is a .9% saline solution, or “isotonic” to the body. It SHOULD be the same saline concentration as cellular fluid. When you are dehydrated, there is a higher concentration of minerals and less water in the cells. Since osmosis works to draw from an area of high concentration to one of lower concentration, the fluid moves into the cells to balance it out. (That’s a simple explanation, you can get really in depth into the sodium-potassium pumps, cell wall functions, etc etc.).
John
Are you sure you’re not confusing osmosis and diffusion? Osmosis is when water crosses a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower concentration (hypotonic) to an area of higher concentration (hypertonic). In other words, the opposite of what you said while diffusion is where particles move in all directions but the net movement is from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until homeostasis is achieved (what you said). You’re right that in your example water would move into the cells, but it’s b/c in your example the fluid in the cells would be more highly concentrated not less.
For some real fun, drink the Epsom salt bath water.
Oh now that is just cruel … of course, I’m sharing office space on Tues with a gastroenterologist who might appreciate the “cleanliness” …
Like I said, this is based on my beginner level anatomy and physiology - but it works with IV fluid, so maybe just less directly with a bath type scenario. Anyone know for sure? Please correct me if I’m wrong. - zoe
You are correct that IV fluids work this way, but that is because cell walls are relatively permeable allowing fluid to enter the cells. Skin is relatively impermeable, and fluids don’t pass easily through skin. Regardless, none of this really addresses how “toxins” are removed by bathing in epsom salts. As far as I am aware there is no medical evidence for this.
For some real fun, drink the Epsom salt bath water.
Oh now that is just cruel … of course, I’m sharing office space on Tues with a gastroenterologist who might appreciate the “cleanliness” …
In my field, such things are a daily topic of discussion. Probably almost as frequent as the GI doc in your office.
Besides, if someone really wants to remove ‘TOXINS,’ this is works much better than the bath itself.
Like I said, this is based on my beginner level anatomy and physiology - but it works with IV fluid, so maybe just less directly with a bath type scenario. Anyone know for sure? Please correct me if I’m wrong. - zoe
IV fluid (General, as opposed to LR) is a .9% saline solution, or “isotonic” to the body. It SHOULD be the same saline concentration as cellular fluid. When you are dehydrated, there is a higher concentration of minerals and less water in the cells. Since osmosis works to draw from an area of high concentration to one of lower concentration, the fluid moves into the cells to balance it out. (That’s a simple explanation, you can get really in depth into the sodium-potassium pumps, cell wall functions, etc etc.).
John
Are you sure you’re not confusing osmosis and diffusion? Osmosis is when water crosses a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower concentration (hypotonic) to an area of higher concentration (hypertonic). In other words, the opposite of what you said while diffusion is where particles move in all directions but the net movement is from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until homeostasis is achieved (what you said). You’re right that in your example water would move into the cells, but it’s b/c in your example the fluid in the cells would be more highly concentrated not less.
Ah, damnit, you’re right. No wonder I got a B in that class
Are you sure you're not confusing osmosis and diffusion? Osmosis is when water crosses a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower concentration (hypotonic) to an area of higher concentration (hypertonic). In other words, the opposite of what you said while diffusion is where particles move in all directions but the net movement is from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until homeostasis is achieved (what you said). You're right that in your example water would move into the cells, but it's b/c in your example the fluid in the cells would be more highly concentrated not less.
Ah, damnit, you're right. No wonder I got a B in that class ;)
John
Well, for what it’s worth, I also got it wrong on a test I took last week… Who knew ST would be good for studying chemistry?
Here is some information regarding additional benefits of Epsoms Salts Your handy Thesaurus might not list it, but the scientific name for Epsom Salt is magnesium sulfate. And while most people know little about these low-profile elements, numerous studies have demonstrated the wide-ranging benefits of magnesium and sulfate for areas such as beauty, health and gardening.It makes sense. Magnesium, a major component of Epsom Salt, is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body. Magnesium also helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.The National Academy of Sciences, however, reports that most Americans are magnesium deficient, helping to account for our society’s high rate of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies and stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a host of other ailments. The Academy estimates the average American male gets just 80% of the magnesium required for good health, while females get only 70% of their recommended levels. Nutritionists say Americans’ magnesium levels have dropped more than 50% in the past century.Researchers and physicians report that raising magnesium levels may: Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure. Improve the body’s ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes. Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood. Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
While increasing magnesium levels, Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily absorb through the skin. Sulfates, which are minerals, serve a wide variety of functions in the body, playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help detoxify the body’s residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. The most important thing to remember is that you should use 1 - 2 cups of salts in a bath and drink up to 2 litres over the next 24 hours to rehydrate as the salts draw fluid out of your tissue. The next thing is always check with your doctor to make sure that the baths are safe. This is quite a powerful detox and can be harmful if you have a condition that can be aggravated by the process. Your doctor may not agree that it is beneficial, but always make sure that it isn’t harmful to use.
There is no way for magnesium sulfate, dissolved in water, to enter the body or to have an effect on internal physiology. Skin is not permeable to magnesium sulfate, or much of anything for that matter. If osmosis worked across the skin then sitting in a water bath would hydrate us. Magnesium sulfate cannot have any kind of therapeutic effect — detoxification or otherwise, unless taken orally.
“Skin is not permeable to magnesium sulfate, or much of anything for that matter.”
You might have a point, and might be right, I am really not going to argue with you on biology, I don’t care one way or the other, but try telling that to someone on a pain relieve patch, or birth control patch, or nicotine patch. If you try to convince them that the patch they are wearing is all psycho-somatic because the skin cannot absorb anything, they might look at you a little weird, No?
