Detoxification is widely debated in the health and fitness industry. What we know for sure is that the body uses organs for detoxification. The kidneys, liver, colon, lungs, lymph glands and the skin are used to rid the body of toxic waste. A short list of these toxicants (and toxins) include heavy metals and other environmental pollutants, food waste, alcohol, medications, poisons, pesticides, harmful bacteria and parasites.
Exercise and infrared sauna use can improve the effectiveness of the detoxification process.
Exercise and infrared can increase the blood flow, accelerate sweating and help to break toxic particles away from fat cells, which can lead to a higher level of detox.
Yoga, and other forms of isometric exercise that involve twisting postures can compress internal organs which can help to force more blood circulation through the liver, colon and kidneys, whereby improving detox through these organs.
The Journal of Environmental and Public Health conducted a review of scientific literature regarding toxicant excretion through sweat. In the review article, “Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review”, please note that among the 24 sources included in the evidence synthesis the following was discovered: “Cadmium was more concentrated in sweat than in blood plasma.” This chips away at the argument that there are only traces of toxic substances in sweat as compared to other detox pathways. The article further stated that “Mercury levels normalized with repeated saunas in a case report.” Concluding that, “Sweating deserves consideration for toxic element detoxification.” ¹
“The primary detox organs are the liver and kidneys, but sometimes they’re not able to get rid of certain toxins because the load is too large,” explains Manhattan-based functional medicine physician Jeffrey Morrison, MD. “What doesn’t leave gets stored in the fat, so the body gets rid of it through a secondary system, which is sweat.” ²
Beware of doctors, journalists, and others who proclaim that prescription medication only is the necessary path for detox. That same crowd will proclaim that there is no detox through sweating. Motive aside, their approach perpetuates the “take a pill for it” mentality.
Everything should be considered with respect to effective detox, not just medication in the form of a prescription drug.
“…sweat is an acknowledged excretory route for toxic metals.” ³
Great workouts, especially infrared infused workouts, heat the core temperature of the body generating a lot of sweat. A really good sweat is the by-product of a great workout!
Nothing can replace great workouts!
At the end of the day, there is no magic pill. Use sensible tools to accelerate your workout and your detox. But remember, if you want it, you gotta work for it!
Workouts can be made more effective through adjustments to the workout environment. Through the application of infrared energy and heat, the detoxification process can be improved!
