Sweat Detox

The possibility for sweat as a route of toxin excretion is intriguing.  Hussain et al. (2023) found metabolites from insecticides in the sweat of women who participated in a randomized crossover trial involving sauna and indoor cycling.  The authors noted differences in the levels detected between the two modes of inducing sweat, and between the different insecticides being investigated, suggesting different pathways could be activated.  In working with clients, excretion of toxins could be mentioned as an additional potential benefit of exercise, and sauna could be suggested for its traditionally held value in healing as well as this potential benefit. 

Reference:

Hussain, J., Cohen, M., O’Malley, C. J., Mantri, N., Li, Y., Mueller, J. F., Greaves, R., & Wang, X. (2023). Detections of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticide metabolites in urine and sweat obtained from women during infrared sauna and exercise: A pilot crossover study. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 248, 114091.