Although some people soak their feet in Epsom salt baths, this home remedy isn't recommended for people with diabetes. Soaking your feet may raise your risk of foot problems. Talk with your doctor before soaking your feet in Epsom salts.
How can Epsom salt be dangerous for those with diabetes? There are several potentials dangers of soaking in Epsom salt for those who have type 2 diabetes. One reason is that Epsom salt can cause a drying effect on the skin. This can therefore cause the skin to crack, and leave the broken skin vulnerable to infection.
For pain, you may soak your feet in an Epsom salt soak, using two tablespoons Epson salt in a large basin of lukewarm water. Soak for 20 minutes (no more) and dry well afterward to prevent moisture from lingering.
Don't soak your feet. Dry your feet completely and apply lotion to the top and bottom—but not between your toes, which could lead to infection. Never go barefoot. Always wear shoes and socks or slippers, even inside, to avoid injury.
Also, don't soak your feet—that can dry your skin. Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes. This is because there are high-pressure areas under the foot. Too much callus may mean that you will need therapeutic shoes and inserts.
You can make an Epsom foot bath by adding one cup of Epsom salts to a tub of warm water. Soak your feet in this mixture for around twenty minutes for relief.
Blood sugar regulator: Both the magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salts help the body produce and use insulin better. With regular oral or transdermal Epsom salt intake, your blood sugar can be better regulated, resulting in improved daily energy levels and a lowered risk for diabetes.
Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails
Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes.
For most people, an Epsom bath foot soak is safe. But there are a few instances when it is best to talk to a healthcare provider before using. For example, people that have very dry skin should avoid overdoing foot soaks because the salt can dry out the skin leaving the feet more prone to cracks.
A 2017 study also found benefits of foot massage for people with diabetes. In a group of 38 people with type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that foot massage led to increased balance and mobility.
I personally never rinse off and seem to get the benefits. When you start epsom salt baths you may feel a bit light headed and hot after the bath and want to lay down right away, so just towel dry off and relax. If you have the energy for a rinse, then rinse. It's all about listening to your body.
People sometimes soak their bodies in Epsom salt baths or drink Epsom salt after dissolving it in a glass of water. However, some people should not consume Epsom salt at all. These include those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Did you know that the magnesium found in Epsom salts can lead to reduced blood pressure and a slowed heart rate? If you suffer from high blood pressure, soaking in healing Epsom salts may be helpful in lowering your blood pressure and even in improving your heart health.
For most people with diabetes, fruits — including bananas — are a healthy choice. However, some people who are following low carb diets need to watch their total carbohydrate intake to stay within their daily carb allotment. This means foods higher in carbs, including bananas, have to be limited on low carb diets.
Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes. Neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), and other complications can be avoided or delayed with annual comprehensive foot exams and treatment if needed.
Taking excellent care of your feet is crucial. Diabetes Forecast says you can get a pedicure at a nail salon as long as you don't have an infection cut ulcer or neuropathy — but urges you to use caution and good judgment. The most important thing they advise is to make sure the salon you choose is extremely clean.
Epsom salt improves the blood circulation, hence help in prevention of heart disease, strokes, elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots, and lowering of blood pressure.
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet.
There is currently no way to reverse diabetic neuropathy, although scientists are working on future treatments. For now, the best approach is to manage blood sugar levels through medication and lifestyle changes. Keeping glucose within target levels can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy and its complications.
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication may be used to treat and relieve diabetic foot pain. Some examples are ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen.
Some cases of magnesium overdose have been reported, in which people took too much Epsom salt. Symptoms include nausea, headache, lightheadedness, and flushed skin ( 2 , 10 ). In extreme cases, magnesium overdose can lead to heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death.
Add half or three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salt to the water. Place the feet in the soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. Dry thoroughly after the soak and then moisturize the feet.
Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) may not only help with muscle pain. It may also reduce swelling and inflammation.