How well do you tolerate heat?
Whether you answer “Yes” or “No”, we’ve got some tips for you on how to use heat to help you detox.
Heat is hard!
Many people struggling with histamine issues don’t tolerate heat well. If this sounds like you, this article will outline some strategies for you. Look for those solutions that we labelled 'No to Heat'.
Bring on summer.
If you feel okay being outside on a summer day, then that is a good indicator that your heat tolerance is okay. We’ve got some great ways you can use heat to help with liver detox. Look for those solutions that we labelled 'Yes to Heat'.
Supporting your body's detox work
Heat is a great way to get your body sweating and releasing toxins. Sweating is one of the ways you can support the clearance of toxins such as heavy metals (1) and mold (2) from your body.
All month we’ve been focusing on liver health to help clear histamine and toxins from your body. In this post, we will be discussing the hot topic of how to use sweating to help move those toxins out.
Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salts are a salt made up of magnesium sulfate. These salts break down into magnesium and sulfate in water. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath allows you to absorb these two substances into your body through your skin. You get different benefits from each of these.
Magnesium is great to help with muscle relaxation.
Sulfate is great to support the sulfation pathway in the liver, which helps remove substances like heavy metals and mold.
Yes to Heat: Fill your tub with very warm water. While it’s running, add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Start with 5 minutes soaking time, and slowly build up your time in the tub.
If you get light-headed or experience other symptoms, drain off the water and remain seated until you have cooled off and can safely stand up.
No to Heat: Fill a bin/sink/large pot with warm water and Epsom salts. Sit with your feet in the Epsom salt foot bath. Start with 5 minutes, and slowly build up your time. Adjust the water temperature to your tolerance.
Sauna
Sauna has been well researched for its health benefits, as well as for its ability to support detox. (3)
Here are some health conditions with mast cell involvement where research supports the use of sauna:
Is there enough evidence that everyone with histamine or mast cell issues should use a sauna?
It’s certainly an option to consider if you know that toxins are one of your triggers.
Not all saunas are created equal.
When your goal is detoxification, infrared sauna is the best choice. Infrared sauna also allows you to get benefits at a lower heat. Thank goodness!
Infrared sauna creates infrared light that penetrates your body to help release toxins from your tissues. Infrared energy is invisible to the naked eye, but is felt as heat.
Yes to Heat: Enjoy a sauna. Start with 5-10 minutes, and slowly build up your time by small increments. As your tolerance increases, you can increase the number of days each week that you sauna.
To try out an infrared sauna, you will have to do a search for a spa or fitness facility in your area that has one. Next week we’ll be posting on “How to Choose a Sauna”. That article will provide you with questions you can ask the spa before booking a sauna, or if you decide to purchase one.
No to Heat: Sauna may not be right for you right now. You can still get benefits without heat, so if you decide to try a sauna, start with 5 minutes at a temperature you know you tolerate well.
Exercise
How do you do with intense exercise? While sweating is great to remove toxins, exercise can be another trigger for mast cell activation.
Does this sound like you?
Do you get exercise-induced asthma, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, feel lightheaded or dizzy with exertion, have a flare in rhinitis or get hives when you exercise?
Before you embark on a new exercise program, implement some strategies to reduce your histamine load such as eating from our Shopping List , and taking some supplements like a citrus-free vitamin C. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medications.
When you are ready, start with some resistance training where you are lying down or in a seated position. Good options are yoga, Pilates or seated strength training using a band or weights.
Swimming provides water resistance and can help to keep you cool. Look for a swimming pool in your area that used salt water instead of chemicals like chlorine. Start with 5-10 minutes and slowly build up as your tolerance allows.
If you still get symptoms, consult with your doctor.
Stay Hydrated
Has all this talk of heat and sweating made you thirsty? It is important with any of these activities that you stay hydrated. Adding a bit of sea salt to your drinking water can help you keep your electrolytes balanced. Hydrate before, during, and after any of these activities.
Always have water nearby when doing any of these activities. Dehydration can make your histamine symptoms worse (7), so hydrating before, during and after these activities is important.
Tracey has seen great detox results with her sauna, she’ll be sharing some tips on shopping for a home sauna in the next blog. Stay tuned for that!
How is this piece of the puzzle for you, do you find it intimidating?
Let's get you started with solutions. Sign up for our free The Histamine Connection webinar, where we'll get you started on solutions. The next one is ready for you to register - do so here.
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