Spa Waters: A Basic Understanding of Mineral Baths

Saratoga Springs, NY and several other locations are known for their therapeutic waters and benefits for health and beauty. Soaking in and drinking certain waters from natural drinking springs can be very beneficial to your health. Some of the most common are listed below.

The first is a bicarbonate mineral water. It is rich in carbonic acid and has a slightly acidic taste and is bubbly. If you drink it, bicarbonate water stimulates appetite and aids in digestion. If you soak in it, it is helpful for cardiovascular diseases; it improves circulation to the extremities and relieves hypertension. Some places to find bicarbonate water spas and drinks include French Lick, Indiana and Saratoga Springs, New York, as well as Thermapolis, Wyoming.

The next kind of water is Sulfur. It has a strong odor like rotten eggs from the hydrogen sulfide gases in the water. It would seem that there would be no good reason to soak in smelly sulfur water, but it works as an anti-inflammatory and relieves rheumatism, so people flock to sulfur water spas for the medicinal benefits and to break the pain cycle. . It also helps liver problems and various skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. It is NOT for drinking and will not benefit the skin in this manner. If you ingest it accidentally while bathing, it can cause a laxative effect and dehydration, and is too dangerous for infants and young children to drink or soak in the water. Find sulfur water spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Palm Springs, California.

A third kind of water spa is chloride. It is a rich sodium chloride that is much like seawater due to its rising through old sea beds and retaining the properties. It also helps ease arthritis and rheumatoid disorders, as well as post-op surgery pain. As a drinking water, it is not for people who are on a low sodium diet, but mild chloride waters can help appetite and digestions and relieve constipation. It is found in Saratoga Springs, New York and Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

The fourth kind is carbon dioxide water, or sparkling water. It creates bubbles. It is found in lightly mineralized waters. When soaked in, it dilates arteries improves circulation, calms a nervous system and helps cardiovascular problems. When you drink it, there are no real health benefits beyond normal drinking water, although some asthmatics report feeling it is easier to breathe. There are no known medical studies about this finding. Find the drinking water and soaks at Saratoga Springs, New York and Vichy Hot Springs in California.