Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

2

I don't have a tub, nor the patience to fuss with filling large plastic container with water and many cups of Epsom salts.

I was thinking that taking a nice long hot shower would be relaxing.

I could multi-task: shave, brush teeth, and soak feet in a solution of water and Epsom salt:

My plan: dissolve a cup full of Epsom salts in some water (in a plastic bag). Then insert my foot in it, then using a rubber band to prevent additional water from entering the bag and further dissolving the salt water, or allowing the solution to escape.

Has anyone here ever done that?

Any tips, thoughts?

How 'bout 1 cup Epsom salts per bagged foot? (That might be more concentrated than the suggested dose. Any harm in that)?

It appears that I developed tendonitis in might right foot (so says my doc). However, I was having crazy intermittent cramping in my hands, and briefly in my other foot, so I think it's more systemic than an over-use injury to one foot.

I'm not sure yet if it was maybe from mineral issues or food sensitives. Nonetheless, I'm 2 days into a super strict paleo/elimination diet. Today, I only ate 350mg of magnesium from food, so I figured I might get some valuable magnesium, and it might relax my feet.

Thanks, Mike

edited May 1 2012 at 2:11

asked May 1 2012 at 0:38

CaveMan_Mike
4,643●13●51

Maybe I'm not reading your idea properly...but from what I'm reading, I'm not understanding how the salt is going to dissolve. It needs a solvent and just having salt in a dry bag doesn't sound like it would give you the effects you're looking for. – Sunny Beaches May 1 2012 at 0:43

Sorry: I wasn't clear. I'm dissolving a cup full of Epsom salts in some water (in a plastic bag). Then inserting my foot in it, then using a rubber band to prevent additional water from entering the bag and dissolving the salt water. I'll edit my post now. Thanks for pointing that out. – CaveMan_Mike May 1 2012 at 2:09

Ah, okay, gotcha. The thing I might wonder about in that circumstance is the possibility of cutting off your circulation. – Sunny Beaches May 1 2012 at 2:49

1

Oh my God, plus one million for making me absolutely crack up. I mean this is the most kind, appreciative way ever... but this is such a man-post. I love it. And it's a brilliant idea. I don't have a tub and this is a really good idea. This is the sort of thing I would come home and find my boyfriend doing and I would just slowly close the bathroom door and say "I don't wanna know." – Marcy May 1 2012 at 3:11

Thanks Marcy . I luv ur comment; makes me feel he-man-ish, embracing my inner caveman! – CaveMan_Mike May 1 2012 at 10:39

show 1 more comment

Happy Now · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-01 02:17:14Z UTC

Sounds slippery trying to walk around in plastic bags. Careful with that one.

The shower thing is convenient, I just dissolve about a cup of Epsom Salts into a baby sized bath tub with some water and stand in that while showering sometimes, I'm sure it dilutes a little, but figure it is better than nothing.

Some people make an Epsom salt lotion where you dissolve some in water, and just mix that with whatever lotion you like, and give yourself a rubdown with it immediately after showering.

Annika · Answer 2 · 2012-05-01 14:50:47Z UTC

Sounds like a good way to fall and fracture something. What about plugging the bathtub drain and letting the tub fill up as you shower? Also, using a dishpan is pretty effortless; just put it on the bottom on the bathtub, fill it up and sit on the edge of the tub as you peruse PaleoHacks on your favorite mobile device.

CaveMan_Mike · Answer 3 · 2012-05-02 18:51:26Z UTC

I just came up with the perfect solution: (I hope)

Get rubber snow boots (a couple sizes too big).

Add the Epsom salt and some water into it, then slip your feet into it.

It will save money because you wouldn't need nearly as much water, and thus not nearly as much Epsom salts.

I guess the only possible problem is if there is fabric liners on the inside (wouldn't want it to get moldy and nasty.

Question: will I have a hard time finding rubber boots with just rubber on the inside?

Thanks, Mike

jo60 · Answer 4 · 2012-05-05 16:45:30Z UTC

part of the point of an epsom salt bath is to relax and soak for 15-20 minutes in "warm-hot" NOT HOT water. You may get some benefit from this technique but mostly a waste of effort and salt I fear. It is really not that "much" effort to get a dishpan (as suggested) fill it with warm-hot and your salts and kick back either before or after your shower with your feet in the tub while you watch TV or surf.

Another option although not quite the same effect is to use the salts as a body scrub. Moisten wash cloth, sprinkle salts and scrub skin. not too vigorously.

Epsom salt foot bath via baggie around foot in shower (for non tub owners) . . .

4 Answers