Can You Sweat Out Toxins?

The Yolk

99% water
The other 1%
- Electrolytes – sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
- Urea
- Ammonia
- Some trace heavy metals (?)

Mixed information available
This research says sweat does release (some) toxins:
- Largest review on heavy metals in sweat found arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury present in sweat
- Sweat after exercise has more heavy metals than through sauna use
- Sweat after exercise releases more heavy metals than urine
- Sweating may be useful to decrease phthlatates in body
- Sweating may be useful to decrease BPA in the body
- Sauna sweating effective at releasing toxins
This research says otherwise:
- Sweating for the purpose of releasing toxins is minor compared to body’s natural detoxification
- Issues with low sample sizes in studies
- Differences in heavy metal amounts already existing in the body

Hydrate – if sweat is almost all water, then you’ll want to replenish
Consume electrolytes if you’re in a hot environment or doing endurance exercise
- Fruits and vegetables
- Avoid sugary electrolyte drinks – unless that’s your only option
Be aware of heat exhaustion
- Dizziness and nausea – get somewhere cool and take some water/electrolytes

Sweating does appear to release a tiny amount of toxins, and our bodies all have toxins, but:
- The body’s natural detoxification systems work better (kidneys and liver)
- Sweating during intense exercise works better
- You cannot rely on sweating alone to take care of your detoxification
  - Proper nutrition and movement is key
Sweating is good for you, provided you’re hydrated
- Intense exercise
- Sauna
Prevent toxins from entering the body to begin with by:
- Using more natural cleaning formulas
- Eating organic – but focus on just a few if it’s expensive
- Wash produce before eating
- Avoiding ultra processed foods
- Avoiding eating off plastic, use BPA free

Share the yolk

CategoriesExercise

Taggedexercise, health, sweat