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Armpit Detox: How and Why to Do One

The AHA! Team — Fri, 30 May 2025 05:10:07 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – As we learn more about the importance of ditching conventional antiperspirants and adopting natural deodorants instead, people are eager to find products that can both help keep body odor away and not pose a threat to their health. Enter the armpit detox. Natural deodorants — made with products like baking soda and essential oils — are gaining more traction. However, a relatively common complaint is that they don’t work as well as commercial products to keep sweat and smells at bay. This is where an armpit detox can come into play. It can potentially help naturally reduce body odor, making using gentler body care products a more attractive option. What Is an Armpit Detox? An armpit detox involves applying cleansing products, such as charcoals, bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, to your armpits in order to draw out bacteria and residue that can contribute to odor. People most often do this when switching to natural deodorants (which don’t block sweat but reduce bacteria growth) in order to help these products work better. When ditching antiperspirants, some people also temporarily experience excessive sweating as their sweat glands adjust, so cleansing the area can be a way to keep B.O. in check while this happens. How to Do It How do you detox your armpits naturally? Most often it’s performed by applying a mask to your armpits, letting it dry, and then removing it with soap and water. This gives the ingredients time to “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, potentially leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin. What type of armpit detox ingredients? They can include baking soda, which has the ability to absorb sweat and odors and help exfoliate the skin. Bentonite clay is another one. It can absorb bacteria and chemicals from the skin, plus contains minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium that can be absorbed through your pores. Activated charcoal soaks up unwanted particles from the skin and has natural detoxifying properties. Lastly, apple cider vinegar can help contribute to a healthy skin microbiome (aka a healthy ratio of different bacteria that live on the skin), plus is useful for normalizing the skin’s pH. Generally, you take some of these ingredients, along with some water, and blend them in a small bowl to make a paste. For example, one tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda, as each help detox the armpit — or one teaspoon of all three. Then add one to two teaspoons water and one teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Mix all ingredients together into a paste, then apply the mask to your pits generously. Wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap. You can repeat this process every several days if you’d like, assuming you have no negative reactions. How long does it take to detox your armpits? It really depends on the individual. Some people report that they smell and sweat more for several weeks after stopping to use antiperspirants, during which the body’s bacteria levels and pH are likely adjusting. For others, this transition might last only a few days. Other Armpit Detox Tips Shower daily with an antibacterial agent. This reduces the smelly bacteria count on your skin. Opt for organic products when possible, and consider even taking your own soaps using essential oils, which are natural bacteria-fighters, such as tea tree oil and lemongrass oil. After showering, towel off and try to leave your skin as dry as possible. Wear natural fabrics that let your skin breath. Damp, sweaty clothes are the most likely to smell, so make sure to wash your clothes thoroughly using antibacterial laundry soap. (Try this homemade laundry soap.) Consider if your diet may be contributing to body odor, especially if you consume lots of sugar, meat and refined carbs. Benefits What happens when you detox your armpits? Does it work? Here are some of the purposes and potential benefits: 1. Balanced Bacteria (Which Can Help Reduce Body Odor) By applying products to your pits that naturally stick to smell-causing bacteria and then remove it, or kill bacteria on contact, you reduce unwanted odors. As said above, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the presence of smelly bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Micrococcus sedentarius, and support the skin’s natural pH balance in the process (which is slightly acidic). This contributes to a healthy “skin microbiome” in your armpit area. Typically a healthier microbiome (including in your mouth) equals less offensive smells. 2. Can Help Improve Skin Health Antiperspirants can be irritating to the skin in some cases, especially if someone has a fragrance sensitivity or generally sensitive skin, so opting for a detox and more natural products is a good alternative to keep skin happy. Another downside to using antiperspirants is that they are drying, since they’re intended to reduce sweating. These leaves skin vulnerable to become chaffed, red and inflamed. If your armpits tend to become irritated easily, the key to a safe detox is using the right gentle ingredients and nothing too harsh or drying. 3. Removes Residue From Antiperspirants Commercial antiperspirants may leave behind trace amounts of chemicals that can become “stuck” inside the pores in the armpits. There haven’t actually been studies proving that an armpit detox can do this, but it makes sense that by taking a break from using antiperspirants you give your body time to shed these ingredients (usually over the course of one to three days) and open up your pores for other helpful ones. Risks and Side Effects Some of the ingredients used in the DIY recipes above may dry out your skin or alter your skin’s pH, so use caution when first beginning to apply these products to your skin. It’s a good idea to perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have any negative reactions, such as allergies, redness or irritation. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity when applying these products, such as redness, itching or hives, discontinue use, and simply avoid applying any products to your skin for a period of time. Remember, an armpit detox is usually done when someone is transitioning from using traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants. During the first several days or weeks when quitting antiperspirants, some people find that they smell and sweat more than usual, so a detox might help to fix this problem. DIY Armpit Detox Recipe Author: Jill Levy / Total Time: 5 minutes / Yield: 1 application This armpit detox recipe uses ingredients that “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin. Ingredients 1 tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda (or 1 teaspoon each) 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 to 2 teaspoons water Instructions Combine the ingredients to make a paste. Mix all ingredients together, then apply the mask to your pits generously. Wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap. You can repeat this process every several days if you’d like, assuming you have no negative reactions. Prep Time: 5 min / Category: Detoxifying / Method: Mixing To read the original article click here.

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Detox with Chelation Therapy — Help Your Heart & Brain

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:25:41 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Chelation therapy is considered an alternative medicine that has the purpose of removing “heavy metals” and toxins from the body. Why would someone experience heavy metal toxicity in the first place? Although it might sound like something only tied to rare circumstances of accidental poisoning, heavy metals are more common than you think. If you have mercury fillings in your teeth (or amalgam fillings), have been vaccinated to prevent various diseases, eat farm-raised fish regularly, consume foods that are grown in foreign countries (like China) that aren’t certified organic, or are healing from radiation and chemotherapy treatments, you’re likely experiencing heavy metal toxicity right now to some degree. Chelation therapy involves a chemical solution called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which is administered into the body — usually directly injected into the bloodstream — so it can bind with excess minerals. Once bound to “toxins” in the body, EDTA helps detox the body of heavy metals by removing them before imbalances and illnesses have the chance to develop. What is chelation therapy good for? First developed and used in the 1950s for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, chelation therapy using EDTA is now performed to remove common heavy metals, including lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum and calcium. While still a controversial practice in mainstream medicine and one that requires more research for us to fully understand how it works, studies show that chelation therapy has potential for reducing the risk of heightened inflammation, heart disease, infections and more. A National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 111,000 adults 18 years or older had used chelation therapy as a form of complementary medicine between the years 2006–2007. (1) Since the popularity of chelation therapy has grown since this time and more health care professionals are being trained in this practice, it’s safe to say that this number is steadily rising. How Chelation Therapy Works Many people who have used chelation therapy regularly feel that it helps them remain more energetic and immune to common illnesses, environmental toxins and stress. Studies show that chelation is scientifically proven to rid the body of excess or toxic metals, especially certain kinds like lead or mercury that can lead to poisoning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of chelation therapy with EDTA for treating lead poisoning and continues to investigate its potential and safety as a new drug for reducing coronary heart disease symptoms. (1) What is EDTA? EDTA is a type of man-made synthetic amino acid. As an alternative, some practictioners also use another substance in EDTA’s place called DMPS (2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid), which works similarly. EDTA chelation therapy works by binding salts to molecules in the blood once EDTA is administered into someone’s veins. After EDTA attaches to heavy metals, together they both move to the kidneys where their elimination from the body occurs through urine. It’s possible that “chelating agents” like EDTA and DMPS can help detoxify the body of toxic elements that contribute to many types of chronic diseases. Chelating agents have specific bonds that form between organic molecules and metals. This gives them the ability to “bind” to metals that build up in the blood, major organs and blood vessels. Some chelating agents, including peptides like glutathione and metallothionein, have been well-researched and proven to transport and excrete toxins from the body, all without the need for expensive surgeries and risky medications. One of the biggest chelation therapy benefits is its ability to help control levels of various environmental metals in the body. Metals, including lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic, can cause short- and long-term health consequences since they impact functions of the central nervous, cardiovascular, immune and skeletal systems. When the body is out of homeostasis due to experiencing imbalances in minerals, malfunction and damage to vital organs can develop. Some of the most symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include: Chronic fatigue syndrome Trouble learning and remembering new information “Brain fog” and trouble concentrating Autoimmune diseases Neurological disorders and cognitive decline Joint or muscle pain Mood changes, including depression and anxiety 5 Benefits of Chelation Therapy 1. Might Help Improve Heart Health Although ongoing research is still underway, some alternative health care providers use chelation therapy to help treat coronary heart diseases, including atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the arteries that can potentially lead to a heart attack or stroke). Why do some provides use chelation therapy for heart disease? EDTA binds with calcium within the arteries, helping to reduce plaque build-up and deposits that can cut off blood flow. (2) Once bound to calcium, EDTA can help carry the molecules out of arteries so circulation improves. In a similar way, EDTA might help control high inflammation and cholesterol levels, which also pose a risk for heart disease. In the future, we might see chelation therapy used a less risky and more affordable alternative to heart surgery and complicated mediations that have many side effects. 2. Acts Like an Antioxidant EDTA might act similarly to antioxidants by reducing inflammation, fighting free radical damage and removing metals that cause the foundation of chronic disease development. It’s been suggested that EDTA binds to not only calcium within arteries, but also other metals stored within bones, muscles and bodily tissues that can lead to increased inflammation or pain. The use of certain chelating agents has been shown to successfully lower the presence of plutonium radiation toxicity within the body, which is tied to increased cancer risk. (3) Uranium and radionuclide are two types of chemicals that can cause toxicity, leukemia and osteosarcoma when someone experiences long-term radiation exposure, but chelating agents, including DTPA, are able to help remove these before serious illnesses can form. 3. Lowers Pain and Swelling Since chelation therapy targets inflammation, the root of most diseases, including arthritis and many autoimmune disorders, many people report less pain from inflamed muscles, joints and bones when using EDTA. Although this theory hasn’t yet been proven in controlled scientific studies, chelation therapy might work by helping to reduce the effects of oxygen ions (also called oxidative stress) that can damage blood vessels and tissue. When inflammation causes the walls of vessels to become clogged, circulation decreases and pain grows. Chelation therapy may offer an alternative to ongoing medication treatments for chronic pain. 4. Can Help Fight Cognitive Disorders There’s evidence that chelation therapy can successfully treat cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. While the exact mechanisms in which EDTA helps resolve these problems isn’t yet clear or proven in studies, there seems to be a tie between heavy metal poisoning (or toxicity), including high levels of lead or mercury in the blood, and medical disorders that affect the brain, memory and learning. Research also shows that increased accumulation in the brain of copper, iron and zinc might be associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Long-term heavy metal exposure can lead to physical, muscular and neurological degenerative changes in the brain that set the stage for not only Alzheimer’s disease, but also dementia, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. (4) 5. Helps Lower Risk for Learning Disabilities Sadly, rates of learning disabilities, ADHD symptoms and autism spectrum disorders have been on the rise in recent years, yet how exactly these conditions should be treated or prevented remains controversial in the medical community. Many practitioners are now looking to alternative treatment methods to control symptoms of cognitive disorders, including some like chelation therapy that target heavy metal poisoning. While not technically authorized to be used for treating such conditions, “off-label use” of chelation therapy might be beneficial for cognitive health due to its ability to lower circulating or stored toxic metals that interfere with brain function. (5) Going forward, we should expect to see new proven strategies using chelating agents that are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and bringing back homeostasis of minerals levels. Related: Aconite: Safe Homeopathic Remedy or Dangerous Poison? How Chelation Therapy Is Performed Chelation therapy sessions take several hours to complete and usually take place in a doctor’s office under special monitoring. Most patients need between five to 30 treatments for best results. Each treatment session involves insertion of an intravenous (IV) to administer liquid EDTA, usually into a vein located in the hand or arm. The procedure isn’t painful for most people, but like with all injections, it’s possible to feel some burning, redness or swelling at the injection site. There isn’t much recovery time needed after the procedure and most patients are free to drive themselves home and go about their normal day. Some people report needing to urinate more than usual following chelation therapy, which can be beneficial considering this is how heavy metals leave the body. How can you locate a health care provider with appropriate training to perform chelation therapy? Currently the American Board of Clinical Metal Toxicology (ABCMT) is responsible for training and qualifying chelation therapy practitioners. ABCMT has actually been certifying doctors in chelation therapy for over 24 years! The American College for Advancement in Medicine is another organization that offers educational training. Both hold seminars and administer examinations in order for doctors to become board-certified and approved to work with patients. Can you feel safe with a chelation therapy doctor? Most likely, yes! Chelation therapy doctors must be either D.O. or M.D. and have a license to practice in their states, complete a comprehensive course on the diagnosis and treatment of chelation therapy, obtain letters of recommendation, and conduct at least 2,000 intravenous treatments for metal toxicity as part of a preceptorship with a certified physician. You can find out more about the qualifications and seek out a trained practitioner on the American Board of Clinical Medicine Toxicology website. Is chelation therapy covered by insurance? One thing to consider is that currently most insurance companies do not cover chelation therapy. As governing health authorities continue to undergo investigations into its safety and efficacy, it’s only practiced by limited alternative practitioners, which means your regular doctor might not yet offer chelation therapy or be convinced of its benefits. How much does it cost for chelation therapy? Depending on how many treatments your practitioner recommends, chelation therapy cost for an entire course of treatment will vary by patient. Treatments typically cost between $75 and $125. Side Effects of Chelation Therapy You should only receive Chelation therapy with EDTA from a properly licensed professional due to the potential for side effects to develop in some cases. What are the side effects of chelation therapy? The most common side effect is a burning sensation at the site where EDTA is enters the vein, but this usually goes away quickly and is mild. Rare chelation therapy side effects can include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. (6) It’s very important for EDTA to be infused properly and slowly, since high levels can cause electrolyte imbalances. It’s also possible that while it removes harmful heavy metals, EDTA can potentially also bind to needed vitamins and minerals and remove them from the body, which poses the risk for deficiencies. To make up for this, many practitioners give patients large doses of vitamins/minerals following chelation therapy so they avoid becoming very deficient. Although it’s very rare, kidney damage and heart failure can also occur due to blood pressure levels dropping suddenly and abnormally low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia). At this time, children, pregnant women, and anyone who has a history of heart disease or kidney problems should not use chelation therapy without consulting with a doctor first. (7) Related: Brain Detox: Is It Time for a Cleanse? (Plus How to Do It) Other Ways to Lower Heavy Metal Toxicity If you’re experiencing symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, chelation therapy along with a reduction in common toxins may be able to help you. How can you lower your exposure to heavy metals in the first place? Start by adjusting your diet and then consider taking supplements that can...

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How to Use Heat, Light & Sweat to Improve Your Mental Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:24 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – If you have been following me for a while, you will know how much I love my infrared sauna from Sunlighten! It is an integral part of my mental and physical health regimen, my favorite place to do brain research and detox my mind, and something I cannot live without. In this week’s blog and podcast, Connie, the founder of Sunlighten Saunas, joins me to discuss why infrared heat is so good for us and why it makes us feel so good, the difference between infrared and conventional saunas, the best way to use an infrared sauna, common mistakes we make when using infrared saunas, infrared saunas and children, the incredible science behind Sunlighten’s saunas, and so much more. What is an infrared sauna? The light spectrum in an infrared sauna comes from the sun. It heats the body directly, whereas a conventional sauna only heats the air around the body. Although any kind of heat in a sauna can be good for us, infrared heat directly impacts our health, working naturally with our body to supercharge our cells without tiring us out or draining us. This allows for maximum detoxification and purification; in fact, an infrared sauna is seven times more effective than a conventional sauna at getting rid of toxins in the brain and body! There are many benefits to an infrared sauna, including: 1. Detoxification. An infrared sauna can help detox the brain and body, right down to the level of our cells. This helps us get rid of impurities like heavy metals, which can impact our mental and physical health. In an infrared sauna, your body is sweating in a relaxed state, and can excrete more toxins and heal and repair itself. This is because infrared heat can reach the toxins that are surrounded by a protective layer of fat deep in the body, pulling out those substances you don’t normally get rid of by sweating in a conventional sauna or by going to the bathroom. Even if you avoid smoking, eat well, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, use natural products and sleep well every night, you will be exposed to toxins that your body will store in a protective layer of fat. We all have bad stuff in our bodies, which is why it is essential that we take the time to detox our brains and bodies if we want to live a truly healthy lifestyle, and infrared saunas can help with this. 2. Heart health and circulation. As the heat in an infrared sauna heats your core up, your body has to work harder to cool you down, which improves your circulation and boosts your heart health. Better circulation, in turn, can clear your mind and help you process information faster, lower blood pressure, give your skin a gorgeous glow, help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, give you more energy, boost your metabolism, aid recovery and more. Instead of getting out of the sauna and feeling worn out, you will feel more energized, healthier and ready to take on any challenge! 3. Immunity. During a global pandemic, we should all be doing what we can to boost our immune systems, and an infrared sauna can help us do this. The energy from infrared saunas is absorbed on a cellular level, which positively affects the heat-shock proteins that strengthen the immune system. This not only boosts the immune system, but also helps free up the body to deal with any other health issues we may have. 4. Pain relief, recovery and aging. Better blood circulation from infrared light means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aiding in muscle recovery and joint pain, which can be a big help after an intense workout, a physical accident or with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Near infrared waves in particular have a shorter frequency range and penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin, impacting the body at the cellular level, encouraging tissue growth and collagen production, helping with the negative effects of ageing and speeding up muscle recovery. 5. Mental health. Not only do saunas help us relax, which is certainly important for our mental health, but research on infrared saunas has also shown that it can have positive effects on our mood, helping with depression, anxiety and other types of mental distress. Just one infrared sauna treatment can potentially reduce depressive symptoms by up to 50%, with the benefits continuing for up to 6 weeks, while regular sessions in an infrared sauna can reduce cortisol levels, helping with toxic stress and burnout, and increase our clarity of mind and focus. I personally love using my Switch app to detox my thoughts while I am detoxing my brain and body in my sauna—this is a perfect mental self-care cleanse, like a spa day for the mind! It is a great tool for helping you learn how to manage your mind, deal with the roots of your mental chaos, and overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact your mental health through the mental process of reconceptualization (it is now on sale at 50% off for a 3-month subscription), and can easily be a part of any infrared sauna session since it only takes 7-15 minutes a day! I also love to use my Sunlighten sauna to have “thinker moments”, where I just switch off and let my mind wander and daydream. These moments give the brain a rest and allow it to reboot and heal, which increases clarity of thought and organizes the networks of the brain, rather than just letting toxic mindsets build up in the brain and cause all sorts of mental health issues. (For more information on thinker moments and how to make them a part of your daily routine, see my book, Think, Learn, Succeed) 6. Safe for children. Even children can use infrared saunas! However, they should only be allowed to use the sauna at a lower temperature, for no more than 15 minutes (depending on their age) and accompanied with an adult, as they have a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When it comes to using an infrared sauna, consistency and frequency are key. Even though it has all these great health benefits, it is important to remember that an infrared sauna is not a magic bullet or cure-all. It strengthens the brain and body over time, harnessing your natural power and helping you feel stronger and healthier than you did before. When using an infrared sauna, you also need to listen to your body and focus on your unique needs. Many experts recommend around forty minutes a day if you are an adult, depending on your health history and what program and type of sauna you are using. When you choose to use a sauna is up to you and what you are looking for. I personally avoid using my infrared sauna too late at night because it keeps me awake, unless I need to stay awake to work on a new book or research deadline! It is, however, important to note that not all infrared saunas are created equal. There are three different parts of the infrared light spectrum, and each of which have different effects on the body and our health. Many infrared saunas don’t use all three types of infrared light, or don’t use them in an effective way or in the right frequency with the right materials and deliverability. This is why I love Sunlighten Saunas. They focus on the science behind their unique technology, always searching out the safest and most effective way to help provide optimum infrared light frequency and results, as well as creating non-toxic and sustainable products using high-quality materials that are safe and long-lasting. After using my infrared sauna regularly for several years, I can truly say I am impressed with the results. I am in my fifties and feel younger, healthier and happier than ever. It really is my “secret” weapon when it comes to my mental and physical health! To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Leaf click here.

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