Perspiration

Detoxifying Through Sweat: The Overlooked Role of Perspiration in Toxic Chemical Excretion

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With increasing exposure to a witches brew of toxic chemicals in our modern world, could the ancient practice of sweating offer a modern-day detoxification remedy?

With the proliferation of toxic chemicals from industrial, agricultural and consumer product sources over the past century, bioaccumulation of these toxins is an increasing health concern [1]. Blood and urine sampling are commonly used to estimate toxin exposures and body burden, but research shows sweat testing provides additional useful exposure data and suggests sweat is an important route of elimination for many toxins [2]. In short, we don’t sweat purely for thermoregulation – sweating is also part of the body’s detoxification system.  

Sweat as a Matrix for Biomonitoring Toxin Exposures

In 2010, Genuis et al. published results of the “blood, urine, and sweat” (BUS) study examining toxicant levels in these biological fluids collected from 20 individuals, 10 healthy and 10 with chronic health issues [3]. Numerous toxic elements like lead and cadmium appeared “preferentially excreted through sweat” compared to blood or urine levels, indicating, “Biomonitoring for toxic elements through blood and/or urine testing may underestimate the total body burden of such toxicants” [3]. Analyzing sweat, therefore, provides additional biomonitoring data on toxin exposures.

Preliminary research by Porucznik et al. explored using sweat patches to measure bisphenol-A (BPA) exposure as an alternative to reliance on variable urine measures given BPA’s short half-life [4]. They detected BPA in sweat patches spiked with BPA in the lab, but in their small sample of real-world patch testing, detected BPA above average background in only 3 of 50 patches worn for one week [4]. The lack of detection from patches worn on participants’ arms suggests either insufficient sweat collection from those locations or extremely low concentrations of BPA in naturally occurring sweat to allow measurement, highlighting complexities using patches to accurately capture toxins in sweat for biomonitoring [4].

Mechanisms and Efficacy of Toxin Excretion in Sweat

What enables sweat to serve as a route of elimination for accrued toxins? With heat exposure, circulation to the skin increases, delivering toxicants stored in tissues to sweat glands [3]. Lilley et al. showed with radioisotope-labeled lead applied to worker’s skin that sweat lead levels increased post-exposure even though blood and urine levels were unchanged, providing “strong evidence that the skin is capable of excreting certain heavy metals” [5]. Dermal application also increased lead in saliva, pointing to both eccrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands in the skin as toxin elimination pathways activated by sweating [5].

Studies report sweat facilitates the elimination of several potentially toxic substances. Genuis et al. found levels of lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium elevated in sweat versus blood or urine samples in some participants [3]. Increased loss of cadmium and lead into sweat has also been associated with lower blood levels of these metals in exposed workers [6,7]. BPA and phthalates likewise appear in sweat and may preferentially accumulate in lipid-rich sweat secretions [3,8]. Sweating also enhanced excretion of persistent flame retardants and chlorinated pesticides in rescue workers and bisphenol-A in experimental trials [9,10].

For mercury, long used in mining and hatmaking, sending poisoned workers to warmer climates to “work in the heat (presumably to sweat out the ‘vapors’) was a common and effective strategy centuries ago” at reversing tremors and ulcers [11]. Modern research supports sweating as a clinically useful intervention for reducing mercury burden as well, with repeated sauna use progressively lowering mercury concentrations in a case report [12].

A 2016 study provides additional evidence that inducing sweating facilitates elimination of toxicants from the body [13]. Researchers found a variety of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their metabolites were excreted in sweat after analyzing samples from 20 participants [13]. Sweat generally showed more frequent OCP detection and higher levels than blood or urine analysis, “suggesting that sweating may be efficacious in diminishing the body burden of many of these toxicants” [13]. The study detected DDT/DDE in nearly all participants and endosulfan in over half, indicating widespread exposure [13]. The highly lipophilic pesticides were more readily found in sweat versus blood, suggesting distribution and storage in fat tissue enables release into sweat [13]. There was little correlation between blood, urine and sweat levels for individuals, highlighting limitations of biomonitoring OCPs in just one compartment.

Induced sweating thus provides a clinical avenue to eliminate some accrued pesticides. The researchers conclude, “As DDT, DDE, DDD, methoxychlor, endosulfan sulfate, and endrin appear to be readily excreted into sweat, induced perspiration appears to be a potential clinical tool to diminish the body burden of these agents” [13]. Facilitating pesticide clearance may help prevent or mitigate health risks including metabolic, neurological, endocrine and reproductive dysfunction linked to bioaccumulation of these toxicants [13].

This study builds on prior evidence of utilizing sauna and exercise for removing OCPs as well as a range of toxic metals, phthalates, bisphenol-A, perfluorinated compounds, flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) [13]. As people have ubiquitous low-dose exposures to diverse toxicants that may accrue over time, sweating therapies provide accessible, non-invasive detoxification approaches with minimal side effects when precautions are taken. The cumulative impact of repeated sweating sessions merits further research in conjunction with clinical outcomes assessment.

Therapeutic Considerations and Contraindications 

Sauna and exercise that induce sweating show potential as low-risk complementary treatments to mobilize and excrete accrued toxicants [3]. Adequate hydration and electrolyte intake helps offset losses in sweat. Sweating capacity may improve with regular sauna use indicating restored autonomic function [3]. However, underlying nutrient status and supplements to support detoxification pathways warrant consideration on an individualized basis [3]. For some with impaired capacity to sweat from autonomic dysfunction, skin brushing, niacin and incremental duration of heat exposure may help initiate sweating [3].

While generally well-tolerated, medical issues may contraindicate heat exposure, especially cardiovascular concerns in the elderly or those with unstable health conditions [14]. Healthcare practitioner guidance is prudent for those initiating a regimented sauna or exercise sweating protocol for health improvement.

Future Research Directions

Additional research is needed on utilizing sweat testing in biomonitoring for chemical exposures, bioaccumulation and pre/post-intervention assessments [3,4]. Robust clinical trials are also warranted to validate sweating protocols for toxin elimination and impact on disease outcomes [7]. Combination strategies like scheduling sauna use after showering post-workout or occupational exposure may hold promise and warrant further exploration as well [5]. Analyzing sweat composition and distribution factors for toxins will elucidate the mechanistic picture of sweating for detoxification to guide effective therapeutic interventions.

How to Manage Panic Attacks Naturally.

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Have you ever had this feeling that you can’t breathe and your heart is racing really fast? Your hands and feet begin to sweat, you tremble with the fear of death and you feel completely helpless. Well, this could be the situation when you are having a panic attack.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, in the U.S. 6 million people suffer from panic attack once a year. One out of four people experience panic attack once in their lifetime; whereas, one out of 20 people are constantly fighting panic attacks. Women are twice more likely to develop this disorder than men. Half of the population develops it before the age of 24.
Those who have never experienced panic attack must be wondering what it is? Panic attack is an intense feeling of apprehension or fear which occurs without the presence of actual danger. The situation becomes quite debilitating and often results in anxiety. Following are some of the common symptoms of panic attacks, these symptoms may vary from person to person:
What are the causes of panic attacks?
There are a number of causes that lead to panic attacks. It can be inherited e.g. if someone from your parents or grandparents have this disorder than you are also at a risk of developing this disorder.
Traumatic life incidences also contribute to the occurrence of panic attacks. It is also associated with the thinking pattern of an individual i.e. pessimistic approach may also lead to panic attacks. There are some other biological factors that play a part in developing such conditions. However, what exactly triggers a panic attack is unknown and many scientific investigations are being made on this subject.
One such study that has been conducted on humans and animals revealed that there are certain areas of the brain that are involved in causing panic attacks. A small structure called amygdala is responsible for coordinating fear response. In case of panic attacks abnormal activation of the amygdala takes place.
How to deal with the panic attacks?
Frequent occurrence of panic attacks can adversely affect your work life and your relationships. In fact it stops you from enjoying the pleasures of a quality life. Many people who suffer from panic disorder become afraid of leaving their houses and also fear showing in public, as a result they develop agoraphobia.
Good news is that panic attacks can be controlled.
Here are some steps you can follow:

The first step to prevent panic attack is to change your perception about yourself. Studies show that people with low self-esteem are more susceptible to develop mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Feeling of being worthless, loneliness and isolation are all those factors that can trigger panic attacks.

The best thing you can practice is that keep your self-esteem high. Never perceive yourself to be worthless. Have strong beliefs about yourself, which include love, acceptance and respect. Researches prove that building high self-esteem can help you out with conditions like panic disorder.
Overcome Negative Thoughts
Cognitive distortion also known as negative thinking is one of the major factors that can trigger anxiety and panic disorders. To achieve your goals and high self-esteem positive thinking is a must. Negative thinking can lead to feelings of loneliness, fear and hopelessness which ultimately result in panic disorder.
Focus on Self–care
Your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to take time out for yourself and your life feel out of balance. Indulge in some self-caring moments and regain the balance of your life. Take some time out of your day and focus on the physical, relational and spiritual aspects of life. Focus on your health issues and promote habits essential for physical well being. This would help you a great deal in controlling panic attacks.
Take proper Sleep
Sleep issues and anxiety usually go hand-in-hand. Most of the people with panic disorders also suffer from sleep disorders. Even if they get successful to fall asleep, it becomes difficult for them to stay asleep during the night. It is important to have a sound sleep in order to prevent panic attacks.
Stay away from Stress
Stress is one of the major factors that trigger anxiety and panic attacks. You can try some relaxing techniques to reduce stress. Fight-or –flight is one of the strategies that can help you manage stress. Exercise, yoga and meditation are also very helpful in reducing stress.
Try relaxing techniques
One of the common symptoms of panic attacks is heavy breathing, to calm yourself you can try these breathing and relaxing techniques. You can even try them when you are not having an attack.
Put your right hand on your upper-chest and the other hand over your diaphragm. Now breathe in through your nose and count till 5. Now breathe out slowly again from your nose.  You can try this breathing exercise twice a day for 10 minutes as it will help you drop the frequency of the panic attacks.
You can also relax your muscles by following these techniques, lie down or sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and focus on your toes, now curl them and keep them curled for 5 seconds and then relax. Now bring your focus to your feet and try to contract all the muscles of your feet for 5 seconds and then relax. Now follow the same technique on every muscle individually, including calves, buttocks, thighs, chest, shoulder, stomach, fingers, hands, neck and arms.
Exercise
Panic attacks can make you feel weak and fatigued, but do not let these panic attacks fool you. When you feel panic attack, do not retreat to your bed or couch, instead you can follow this:
Walking can be very relaxing in the state of panic attack. It helps to release endorphins in the brain which helps to reduce stress levels.
Yoga and stretching can be equally effective to cope with panic attacks and help you relax. Lie down on your back, now try to bring your right knee close to your chest and hold it there with your hands for 20 seconds, while breathing through your nose. Now repeat the process with your left knee.
Or stand straight, now bend forward and try to touch he ground with your finger tips. Stay in this position for 10 seconds, and then slowly move back to your standing position.

Source:http://humannhealth.com