How to Take a Detox Bath

I’m a big fan of self-care.  And taking a detox bath is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to promote wellness and to gently detoxify your body. 

WHY TAKE A DETOX BATH?

Your body is always detoxifying.  Every single moment of every single day, your body is cleansing and clearing out anything and everything that you get exposed to.  And the best thing you can do to help your body with this daily house cleaning is to keep your elimination processes running smoothly. You want your body to be able to easily flush out and release toxins that you are exposed to.  You can read more about why you may want to do a gentle detox HERE.

We are exposed to more toxins in our daily environment than ever before.  There are harmful chemicals in the beauty products that we use, in the cleaning supplies we clean our homes with, in the foods that we eat, and in the environment around us.  This chemical exposure can have some very serious effects on our health.

DID YOU KNOW:

• Every day, all of us ingest tiny amounts of the thousands of chemicals that are lurking in our food, in our water, and in our air.  The EPA estimates there are more than 20,000 chemicals that our bodies cannot metabolize. Chemicals not metabolized are stored in the fat cells throughout our bodies where they continue to accumulate.
• Household products such as detergent, floor and furniture polish, paints, and various cleaning products for glass, wood, metal, ovens, toilets, and drains may contain hazardous chemicals such as ammonia, sulfuric and phosphoric acids, lye, chlorine, formaldehyde, and phenol.
• Home furnishings, such as carpets, curtains, wall decorations, and some furniture, may be treated with chemicals and are potentially dangerous.
• In a recent study by German researchers, nearly 25,000 chemicals were found lurking in a single bottle of water.(source)
• Federal scientists report finding traces of 18 unregulated contaminants in one-third of the water samples collected from 25 municipal utilities across the US in their most recent testing. (source)
  
• More than 10,000 chemicals in the form of solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives are used in food processing, packaging, wrapping, and storage.

WHAT’S IN A DETOX BATH?

A detox bath generally consists of a hot  bath and Epsom Salts to help facilitate the detoxification process.  Starting with hot water draws toxins to the surface of the skin.  As the bath cools, the toxins are pulled out of the skin and into the bath water through the process of osmosis.  According to nutritional pioneer Dr. Hazel Parcells, 65% of body cleansing is achieved through the skin

BENEFITS OF EPSOM SALTS

Epsom Salts are made of magnesium sulfate.  Not only do they draw toxins out of your skin, they also replenish the body’s magnesium levels and sulfates.  Magnesium plays a critical role in over 325 enzymes, helps to improve muscle and nerve function, reduces inflammation and improves blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body.  Sulfates are necessary building blocks for healthy joints, skin and nervous tissue.  Many people report reduced stress and improved sleep after soaking in Epsom Salts.

Hot Epsom baths also help the lymphatic system move by increasing circulation. The lymphatic system is actually a part of your immune system, and since it does not have a mechanical pump like the cardiovascular system (the heart), we must take care to find ways to get it to move.  You have approximately 600 lymph nodes throughout your body, primarily around your throat, armpits, chest, groin, and stomach. It is crucial to keep the fluids moving throughout the lymphatic system because if we have stagnant lymph, our immune system and fluid balance in the body (swelling) can be affected.

HOW MUCH EPSOM SALT?

Adults:  1/2 cup to 2 cups

Older Children: 1/2 cup to 1 cup

Younger Children:  1/4 cup to 1/2 cup

If you are new to Epsom Salts baths, start small.  See how your body responds to the detox.  You can work your way up to the full amount.

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN USE TO DETOX

• Baking Soda: Add a cup of baking soda to your detox bath to neutralize the chemicals in the water, especially chlorine, if you do not use filtered water in your bath.  (use a 1/2 cup for children)
• Apple Cider Vinegar:  Apple cider vinegar is rich in natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Supplying these nutrients to the body is crucial during a time of detoxification, when all the systems in the body go into overdrive to purge out toxic material.  Apple cider vinegar is recommended for folks with arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.  Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.  I use THIS raw and unfiltered brand.
• Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is a natural, gentle detoxifier.  When the clay gets wet,  it actually expands and draws the toxins into the clay itself.  It is recommended to add 1-3 cups of clay to a bath.  I recommend doing clay baths by themselves without the Epsom Salts.  Since clay can absorb toxins easily, you want to make sure to get a clean uncontaminated source.  I use THIS brand.

HOW TO TAKE A DETOX BATH

1. Plan for at least a half hour of quiet, uninterrupted time.
2. Fill your bath with the hottest water that you can tolerate.  Add your your Epsom Salts to the running water.
3. Soak for at least 20 minutes, allowing your body and mind to relax. Get out of the bath before the water turns cold.
4. Be careful getting out of your bath as you may feel drowsy or dizzy.  Rinse your body before getting out.

OTHER TIPS

• If you are new to detox baths, start with just the Epsom salts.  See how it goes.  You can experiment with the apple cider vinegar, essential oils, and bentonite clay once your body is used to the detoxification.
• Try to have an empty belly during your bath.
• Be sure to hydrate well before and after your bath.
• Avoid soaps and shampoos during your bath.  Your pores are open and will absorb the chemicals from these products.
• Give yourself time to rest and enjoy the benefits of your detox bath afterwards.
• It is recommended to enjoy 1-3 detox baths per week to keep your elimination pathways open and clear.

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Want to learn more about detoxing?

• 6 Gentle Detox Routines for Better Health
• 5 Reasons to Start a Gentle Detox