Sliced Bread - Series 4: Compression Leggings, Bath Salts, Water Softeners and Filters

About this episode

<p>Can compression leggings improve performance and help your limbs recover after exercise? Do magnesium bath salts really help soothe aching muscles? And do water softeners and filters really help save us money on our appliances by preventing scale from building up in our pipes?</p><p>With Greg still in Edinburgh for the Festival, we’re sticking with last week’s format and investigating THREE of the wonder-products you’ve sent us on WhatsApp in a "triple slice" of quick investigations.</p><p>First up, Listener Sarah from North Devon wants to know if buying expensive compression leggings can really help improve her exercise performance and speed up her recovery. Greg speaks to one of the UK’s leading researchers on compression garments, Dr. Jess Hill, to find out the science behind them – and when we should wear them. </p><p>Second is listener Rosie from Sheffield who wants to know if magnesium or 'Epsom' bath salts really can help soothe aching muscles – so Greg chats to leading expert on magnesium, Dr. Lindsy Kass from the University of Hertfordshire to find out what it does in our bodies, and if we can actually absorb it through our skin. </p><p>And third, Listener Matthew from Suffolk wants to know if Water Softeners and filters can improve water quality, if they’re necessary, and if they can save us money on our household appliances by preventing the build up of scale. Greg chats to internationally recognised expert in drinking water Vanessa Speight - to find out.</p><p>Keep your suggestions coming for wonder-products you’d like us to investigate. Send them over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or as a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807. </p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot </p><p>PRODUCER: Kate Holdsworth</p>