Sweating Is A Detox Tool

Detox is one of the most overused words in wellness — however, it is something your body is doing automatically ALL the time. Your body is constantly working to eliminate toxins that your own body produces as well as the toxins you encounter through the outside world (food, water, air, body care products, household products, etc). And your skin is your largest organ of detoxification.

What your sweat actually eliminates

Sweat is produced by two types of glands — eccrine glands, which cover most of your body and produce the watery sweat you have after exercise or from heat, and apocrine glands, concentrated in areas like your armpits and groin. It’s your eccrine glands that matter most for detoxification.

So what are you sweating out of your body? Well, published research dating back from 2012 from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found measurable concentrations of heavy metals — arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury — in sweat! And surprisingly, these levels were sometimes at higher concentrations than in matched urine samples from the same individuals. This is quite important because these metals can accumulate in your soft tissue (causing a myriad of health problems) and can be difficult to clear out. Additionally, certain persistent organic pollutants including BPA and phthalates (which are hormone disrupting chemicals!) have also been detected in sweat.

Beyond toxicants, your sweat also contains urea, ammonia, and lactate which are metabolic waste products that your kidneys typically handle. When your kidney filtration is under stress, your sweat glands help out and partially compensate to remove that waste. 

Summer gives you a natural detox advantage

Heat-induced sweating and exercise-induced sweating are both good for you and they also have some differences. The hotter weather we have during the summer certainly helps us sweat out more toxins!  Additionally, the sweating that comes from exercise tends to contain higher concentrations of certain metals (perhaps due to increased circulation mobilizing stored toxins from your tissues).

For heat-induced sweating, the research on regular sauna use is quite impressive. Both Finnish and infrared sauna studies have linked frequent use (4–7 times per week) with reduced all-cause mortality, improved cardiovascular function, and lower inflammatory markers. While more frequent use is associated with more dramatic health benefits, 2–3 sessions weekly are sufficient to begin experiencing benefits such as lowered blood pressure, reduced systemic inflammation, better circulation,stress reduction, and improved sleep quality.

Making the most of it

Clearly there are health benefits to sweating. Here are some important takeaways:

• Sweat regularly and intentionally. Aim for at least 3–4 sessions per week of meaningful sweating through exercise, heat exposure, or sauna.
• Shower promptly after sweating. Compounds excreted through your skin can be partially reabsorbed through the stratum corneum if sweat remains on your skin — rinsing within 15–20 minutes matters (wiping sweat off with a towel unfortunately doesn’t prevent reabsorption of toxins).
• Replenish lost minerals. Sweat contains significant amounts of magnesium, zinc, sodium, and potassium. If you’re sweating without replenishing these minerals, you’ll feel it (muscle cramps, trouble sleeping, fatigue). A diet rich in fresh veggies and fruits, quality protein, and staying hydrated helps a lot with keeping your mineral levels replenished. If you are sweating for longer periods of time or frequently, consider electrolyte support (either DIY or a product).
• Support your liver too. Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways process the compounds that eventually get excreted through your sweat. You can support your “detox team” through cruciferous vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, etc) — which upregulate glutathione-S-transferase), adequate protein (for glucuronidation), and B vitamins (for methylation) all amplify what sweating can do.

Hopefully you have a newfound appreciation for your sweat and how your body works hard to eliminate toxins and keep you healthy. 

As a functional nutritionist, I don’t just help you to eat healthier: I help you create a healthier lifestyle.  

If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!

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Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health,

~Rebecca

P.S. If you know someone who is ready to feel great & create health habits that stick, I would love to connect with them!

Please share my scheduling link with them so that they can schedule a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session with me.

As always, nothing in this newsletter is intended as medical advice. Please work with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to any medications or treatment plans.