24. Epsom Salt Baths for Autism
In this episode, Brittyn talks about using Epsom salt baths for children with Autism. Learn more about why Epsom salt baths may be beneficial and how you can incorporate Epsom salt baths into your child’s routine.
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IN THIS EPISODE
What are Epsom salt baths.
Why Epsom salt baths may be beneficial for children with Autism.
How to introduce Epsom salt baths in your child’s routine.
LINKS
Join the Autism Nutrition Library
Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Nourishing Autism Podcast where you take a deep dive into the research on autism and dietary changes, nutrition supplements, and lifestyle modifications. Every week, we break down nutrition topics and an easy-to-understand way for you to feel less overwhelmed and feel confident on your nutrition journey with autism.
Hi, everybody. I'm Brittyn Coleman, the Autism Dietitian, and I'm so excited you are joining me for this episode of Nourishing Autism. Today, we're going to be talking about Epson salt baths for Autism, which is always a really popular topic on my Instagram. So I'm excited to chat about it here and give you some resources to read more about Epsom salt baths and the potential to seek benefits for your child with Autism.
So, first of all, let's talk about what Epson salt baths even are. So Epson salt is the common name for Magnesium Sulfate crystals. So it's Magnesium. And Magnesium is so incredibly important for so many functions. To name a few, neurological function, can benefit anxiety, sleep issues, which are huge in Autism, very, very common. There's even some information to show it could help with night terrors, restlessness, you name it. So there's so many reasons as to why this may be beneficial. What's neat is that Magnesium Sulfate in particular, maybe the most helpful to help with detoxification. We noticed that many children on the Autism spectrum do not detox appropriately or at the correct rate. So having potential supports to help the child detox better are wonderful and Magnesium salts can be a part of this. So the reason why we believe that Magnesium Sulfate in particular worked so well to help detoxification is that this combo of Magnesium and Sulfate, they work together and they stimulate these detoxification pathways.
So when you soak in a warm bath, it also helps to facilitate the absorption of these minerals from the water around you. And since most children take baths anyways, it's a really easy addition to their nighttime routine and it could potentially benefit them
I always say potentially benefit. I see so many kids who truly do benefit from Epsom salt baths or Magnesium supplementation. Everybody is so different. So it's always important to consult your healthcare provider to find out the best fit for your child in particular. So what the Magnesium Sulfate does, it can support these sulfation pathways to help with that detoxification.
It's important to note. While the Epsom salt baths could contribute to Magnesium levels as well. If your child has a major Magnesium deficiency it's unlikely that just Magnesium Sulfate baths alone are going to be the most efficient way to correct it.
The specific level of Magnesium absorption into the bloodstream is not well-documented so a supplement may actually be the more, most efficient way to correct a Magnesium deficiency.
A lot of times to enhance bath time on top of Epson salt baths, parents will add in some baking soda, which can help with Magnesium's absorption. And they'll also add in some Ascorbic Acid, just something small, like a teaspoon that can help neutralize chlorine from the water. From there you can even add in really relaxing, pure, essential oils. Like lavender that can promote relaxation.
It's important to note that some kids on the Autism spectrum who may also have sensory processing disorder may not like these strong smells. So if you notice that your child doesn't do well with added essential oils into the water then you can leave those out.
When you are choosing Epson salts, remember to always read the ingredient list and check for synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, or colors. All of these are not ideal for us to be absorbing and some of them can dry out skin or cause allergic reactions. And sometimes even artificial ingredients can be hormone disruptors.
So it's ideal to have pure Magnesium Sulfate salt with absolutely no additives. Only ingredients are Magnesium Sulfate.
Something else you could try before Epsom salt baths are dry brushing and dry brushing is where you have a specific dry brush. And you brush up toward the heart to promote detoxification and helps circulation.
Dry brushing can also be especially beneficial for kids with sensory processing disorder. That can really help with sensory input. Sometimes occupational therapists will use a sensory brush in order to help with sensory dysregulation, hyperactivity, and tactile sensitivity
Not only this, but it's really helpful to promote the circulation, possibly help them absorb those nutrients even better from there bath and see even better results
Not to mention. That's a great way to wind down. So if your child does have sleep issues, Epsom salt baths can be a really great addition to their nighttime routine. To help get them ready for bed and help them wind down and sleep soundly.
If you're interested in more information on Epson, salt baths for Autism, we have a lot of information, all about Epsom salt baths, different supplements, special diets symptoms, conditions, you name it all inside my membership called the Autism Nutrition Library. You can join at www.autismnutritionlibrary.com and become a member. Join our special community. Get support and learn more about nutrition for Autism.
If you've used Epsom salt baths with success and you'd like to share about your progress and your story share with us and the community forum or on my Instagram page, I would love to hear more about how Epsom salt baths have benefited your child
And that is it for today's episode all about Epson salt baths for children on the Autism spectrum. Next week we'll be talking more about nutrition for Autism. If you ever have any topic suggestions that you'd like us to cover feel free to dm me on my instagram account @autismdietitian or post in the community forum at the Autism Nutrition Library. I look forward to seeing you next week.
This podcast is brought to you by the Autism Nutrition Library, a one-stop hub and community for all things autism nutrition created to help you explore evidence-based nutrition approaches that have proved to be effective to help individuals with autism feel their best, do their best, and be their best.
Join now by clicking Autism Nutrition Library or by stopping by my Instagram @AutismDietitian. See you next week.
Transcribed by Descript
ABOUT Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
I’m a Registered Dietitian, Autism Nutrition Expert, and the Creator of the Autism Nutrition Library.
I work with parents of children with autism to optimize their child’s diet, supplements, and lifestyle based on their unique needs. I help expand accepted foods for picky eaters, improve digestion and gut health, find the root causes of many symptoms, and ultimately help them feel their best so that they can do their best and be their best.
Not only do I relate to families on a professional level, but also on a personal level. I have been a part of the autism community for over 20 years, as my younger brother was diagnosed on the spectrum at a young age.
I look forward to working with you to uncover the root cause of your child’s symptoms and help your child be the best version of themselves!
