An old TV commercial for deodorant told women to “never let them see you sweat.”
It worked…
Last year, consumers spent $19 billion dollars on antiperspirants and deodorants. Just to block sweat.1
I understand that as a woman, you want to smell fresh and clean. But sweat isn’t the enemy.
In fact, sweating is the best way for your body to get rid of dangerous toxins and manmade chemicals that have built up in your system. These toxins include:
- Cancer-causing phthalates from plastics, cosmetics, cookware and more
- Endocrine-disrupting BPAs that lead to obesity, estrogen dominance and loss of libido. Too much estrogen leads to
- Heavy metals like arsenic and mercury that make their way into the body through our food and water
It’s impossible to avoid toxins…
Between 1930 and 2000, global production of manmade chemicals increased from 1 million tons a year to more than 400 million. And the numbers keep rising…
The government says there are only a few parts per billion of toxic chemicals in the products we use. They say that’s an “acceptable” risk.
But here’s the truth…
These toxins are entering your body faster than they can be excreted. At any given time, the average person has 420 toxins floating around in their blood and urine. That number has more than doubled in the last decade.2
Luckily, there are a lot of natural ways to rid yourself of toxins. And a good old-fashioned sweat is still one of the best ways to detox.
About 30% of your body’s waste passes through your skin. In fact, your skin is supposed to release up to two pounds of toxic waste every day through perspiration.3
I recommend infrared saunas and showers to sweat out the toxins. I have an infrared sauna at my house and an infrared shower at my clinic.
Here’s what’s so great about infrared detoxing…
Infrared light penetrates several inches into your tissue. This deep penetration releases debris from the fat underneath the skin. It also allows your body to free toxins stored in other organs and tissues.4
Infrared saunas are more efficient at detoxing than traditional steam saunas. In one study, sweat from a traditional sauna was up to 97% water. But sweat released in an infrared sauna was only 80% to 85% water. The remaining 15% to 20% was made up of heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble toxins.5
To get the full benefits of detoxification, here are some pointers I give my patients:
- Dry brush your skin. Before your sauna, vigorously dry-brush your skin with a loofah for five to 10 minutes. This removes dead skin and stimulates circulation. It also unclogs your pores so toxins can be released more effectively. After skin brushing, take a warm shower to rinse off.
- Build up slowly. Start with five minutes at a time to build up your tolerance.
- Add 30 seconds to a minute each session. Work up to 20 or 30 minutes. Start with once a week and work up to a daily session.
- Drink up. Be sure to drink plenty of mineral water before, during and after your sauna session to replenish lost fluids and minerals.
- Shower again. Following the sauna session, gently scrub the toxins and sweat from your skin in a warm or hot shower. Finish with 30 seconds of cold water to close your pores. It may take some getting used to. But before you know it, the cold water will feel less shocking and more invigorating.
If you’re in the South Florida area, and interested in infrared therapy, call the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine at 561-784-7852 and talk to my staff.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD, CNS
1. Size of the global antiperspirant and deodorant market from 2012 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars). Accessed December 20,2016.
2. Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. U.S. CDC 2009
3. Jensen, B. Dr. Jensen’s Guide to Better Bowel Care. NY, NY: Avery Publishing, p. 118, 1999.
4. Rogers, M.D., Sherry A.: Detoxify Or Die. Sarasota, FL: Sand Key Company, Inc., pgs. 199-200; 206-13, 2002.
5. Laredo M. Whole Body Detoxification (Part 3): Far-Infrared Sauna Use. NaturalNews.com March 17, 2008. Accessed 6/30/16.