Why A Detox Bath?

1. To remove toxins.

Everyone is toxic to some degree.  Toxins are in the air, in our water & in our genetically modified foods. They are in the products we put on our bodies & even in the clothes we wear.  There is no avoiding toxins in the world we live in. Even before you leave the house in the morning, you have been exposed to numerous toxins.  The chemicals in your shampoo and soaps, your moisturizer, your makeup, your toothpaste…even the water that comes out of your shower head.  If you ate fruit & yogurt for breakfast –though healthy–the fruit contains pesticides and the yogurt (unless organic) can have toxins in it.

Dr. Oz just did a show showing that toxins from plastics are in almost everyone of us in the form of phthalates.  Our foods that come wrapped in plastic or in plastic containers, especially if they are high fat, absorb phthalates and then get into our system.  The plastic bags we use in our kid’s lunches have phthalates in them.  It seems it is almost inescapable…and  phthalates are just one toxin that affects our bodies in negative ways.

Another toxin that most people are exposed to is PCB’s in the lining of food cans.  Did you know that there are also PCB’s  on receipts?  It is used to prevent the color on paper from running or bleeding. I don’t know about you, but I am not in the habit of washing my hands after touching receipts–who knew we needed to?  There are numerous chemicals in cleaners that we use, paint we use in our homes, fertilizers we use on our yards — the list goes on and on.  Toxins are unavoidable in the modern world.

One can educate themselves and take steps to avoid many toxins, but in reading the above you can see that it is impossible to avoid them  all together.

The liver is responsible for dealing with toxins once they get into our bodies.  It converts them which makes it possible to eliminate them via our digestive system. That which is not eliminated in this way is eliminated through our skin in the form of sweat.

I can’t tell you the number of times I read in health books that deal with cancer that if you have cancer, your liver is not functioning correctly.  Believe me, we want our livers to stay healthy and functioning, but often instead, they are taxed by an overload of toxins.

2. To give the body a nice dose of magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for staying healthy is often overlooked and under utilized.  Although you can get magnesium through food – almonds, wheat germ, fish, green leafy vegetables – it is not easy to meet your daily needs through food alone.

Detox baths are made with epsom salts which is magnesium sulfate.  Magnesium sulfate helps draw out toxins, and has numerous benefits all on it own.

Magnesium is an essential mineral required for more that 300 biochemical reactions in the body including transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of body temperature, forming healthy bones & teeth, & energy production.  It helps absorb calcium  and keeps osteoporosis at bay.  It brings relief from symptoms of menopause and PMS & minimizes the risk of premature labor — which I experienced first hand when it was given to me intravenously when I went into premature labor with my oldest.

Magnesium helps with insomnia, migraines, kidney stones, gall stones, & in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.  It regulates blood pressure and helps in the treatment of diabetes.

Magnesium is also plays a very important role in mental health. It helps with panic attacks, stress, anxiety, and agitation. It reduces the severity of symptoms and helps reduce the rate of reoccurrence.  This reason alone moves magnesium to the top of my priority list!

Signs that one is deficient in magnesium include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, muscle cramps/spasms & problems with mental health.

Magnesium is absorbed through the skin, and my 2 favorite ways of getting it is through Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil spray and epsom salt baths!

3. It is a great way to spend some time taking care of yourself

I live in the midwest.  We have been experiencing the most amazing fall weather, but this week the temperature is supposed to drop and get quite cold.  One reason I am looking forward to the cold weather of winter is so that I can get back to my detox baths.  Due to some medication that I am on to prevent cancer recurrence, I have regular hot flashes.  They were pretty severe during the summer, and the last thing I wanted to do was get into a hot bath.  Now that the weather is cooler, I am excited to get back into the habit of detox baths.

There is something about locking yourself in a bathroom — especially if you are a Mom– and getting into a hot bath for a few minutes of quiet.  Detox baths require at least 20 minutes, and I cannot tell you how rewarding just a few minutes of stillness and quiet is!  I usually use my bluetooth Moxie, and either listen to a podcast or some calming music.

4. It is incredibly relaxing & make for a great night’s sleep

I recommend taking your detox bath in the evening before bed.  They are incredibly relaxing and can make you feel quite sleepy, sometimes even weak.  The first time I took a detox bath it was shortly after finishing chemo and radiation, and I was full of toxins.  I got quite light-headed and nauseous after my bath & felt like I had the flu.  It passed once I drank water and rested for about 30 minutes and my body temperature came down.  I’ve read this is a normal response from someone who is quite toxic.  Every time I took a detox bath this reaction became less and less, until now I just feel very relaxed and good after a detox bath.  I tell you this so you are not surprised if you feel icky after your first detox bath.  It won’t last, and you will know that you are very much benefitting from the detox.

5. It helps soothe muscle and joint aches and pains.

The same cancer medication I talked about earlier has a side affect of joint pain.  I cannot tell you how relieving detox baths are to my aching joints.  It is drastic.  I step into the bath in pain and step out of the bath pain free.  It surprises me every time!  It has an anti-inflammatory effect that works very quickly!

Who Should Detoxify?

Really, anyone and everyone–unless pregnant or have high blood pressure or heart disease.  If you are in bad health, make sure you ask your doctor before taking a detox bath.

How To Take A Detox Bath:

1. Fill tub with quite hot water.  Expect to sweat!

2. Grab a glass of filtered water to have close by.  Stay hydrated during and after the bath.  Light a few candles for ambience while the bath is filling up.

3. Add 2 cups of epsom salts to a standard bathtub full of water.

4. Add 1 cup of baking soda, which neutralizes chemicals like chlorine in the bath water.  It also helps the body absorb minerals and leaves the skin quite soft.

5. Add 5-10 drops of essential oils. This step is optional, but it sure makes the bath smell great!  I love lavender. I have also used tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil for extra detoxification and to wake up the senses and clear sinuses.

6. Switch all ingredients together in tub and soak for at least 20 minutes, working your way up to the ideal 40 minutes.

7. Expect to sweat!  You should start sweating within the first few minutes.  Remember to drink that water!

8. Get out of the tub slowly.  You might be light-headed so take it easy.

Detox Bath Recipe

1 bathtub full of hot water

2 cups epsom salts

1 cup baking soda

Optional Ingredients:

5-10 drops essential oils (optional) (lavender, tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus all works well)

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

Add all ingredients to the tub. Swish & soak for at least 20 minutes up to 40 minutes. Don’t forget to hydrate by drinking water!

Make It In Bulk

I love to mix up a big batch & store it in this large glass container.  I mix the salt & baking soda together-the above recipe x 5, and it sits on my bathroom floor looking all cute with a this 6 oz. silver scoop.  I then scoop about 3 scoops into the bath and then add my essential oils.  It is a great reminder to take my detox baths, & would make a great homemade Christmas gift.

Tips:

~If you want to extend the detox, wrap in a towel or fluffy robe and keep on sweating!

~Don’t let your hair touch the water–it would be too drying.

~This detox bath is great for colds and flu.  Eucalyptus is especially great for opening nasal passages.  Also good for colds and illness — add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger to the tub. Ginger increases heat levels and makes you sweat even more profusely.

~Don’t use harsh soaps or lotions after a detox bath.  The pores are wide open so treat them kindly.

~Before this bath, use a loofah or dry brush your skin to stimulate the lymphatic system. This will aid in the release of toxins.  Use long, sweeping motions toward the heart. I talk more about dry brushing here.

~Use coconut oil as a non-toxic after bath moisturizer.

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Have you ever taken a detox bath?  What was your experience?

Are you a skeptic?  Maybe this article on Dr. Oz will help.

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