We LOVE our pool. It is a great way to beat the heat on these hot and humid summer days here in Oklahoma. I have even been able to move my exercise programs to the pool which has been a great transition.
With MTHFR in my family, chlorine is a huge issue and I have to make sure their bodies are able to detox or we can have a few rough days of emotions. I have found that we need to have routines and protocols in place with the level of chlorine exposure we see daily. This has upped my game in providing protection for myself and my family.
Our pool is a chlorine system. I do have plans to convert it to a salt-water system, but for now, we work with what we have. Please know that salt water systems still have chlorine in them, just lower levels, so you still need to protect yourself from chlorine toxicity.
First, you need to be on the look out for any of these symptoms, especially with extended pool use. If you are not sure if you or your children have MTHFR gene mutations, which affects detoxification pathways, these symptoms are good indicators that their pathway is either struggling or completely compromised. There are labs that provide quick results for you to know if you or your children have these genetic SNPs. I work closely with clients to help navigate what a world looks like after a SNP genetic defect diagnosis.
Order Labs For MTHFR Gene Mutations
There are several precautions you can make to help protect yourself from chlorine toxicity. Having the products on hand and being disciplined in your routine will allow you and your family to enjoy your vacation or summer being at the pool.
First, try and find an outdoor pool. Indoor pools put you at higher risk for respiratory issues. Your skin and lungs are two of your main elimination pathway organs. Help them out with at least being able to breathe while swimming.
Having foundations in place so your body can detox pathogens is the key to beating toxicity, again, especially for MTHFR defects. Having these habits in place before swimming will allow your body to combat the stress.
1. Shower BEFORE pool use. Hydrating your body before pool use helps to seal the barrier for your skin.
2. Use a Vitamin C Spray. Vitamin C spray forms a barrier of protection by neutralizing chlorine. Taking daily vitamin c and using a spray is a must. Have these in your swim bag every time you go.
3. Use a high quality coconut oil before swimming. Everyone knows water and oil do not mix. Using coconut oil before getting into the pool can act as a barrier and prevents chlorinated water from penetrating through your skin. Coconut oil also has a natural SPF of 4-5 and contains natural antioxidants.
4. Take a daily probiotic. Protecting your natural gut flora from the damaging effects of chlorine is very important. Probiotics will allow the gut to have continued colonization of good bacteria.
5. Take NaC daily. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NaC) is a non-essential, free form amino acid that is a highly stable form of cysteine. NaC has antioxidant properties and is necessary for the production of glutathione. Glutathione helps the body cope with oxidative stress which is associated with disease, and improves the number and activity of immune cells within the body. This allows your body’s detoxification pathway to remain open.
After swimming, put these protocols into action as soon as possible. Your skin is a thirsty organ that absorbs everything.
1. Shower again immediately after swimming.
2. Take an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt bath (2 cups with bath). Epsom salt baths allow magnesium salts to enter the body and is effective for dry skin and for reducing inflammation.
3. Eat foods rich in Sulfur and Iodine. Sulfur helps in the production of an important antioxidant in your body called glutathione, which protects cells from damage. Iodine is necessary for iodine function. Chemically speaking, bromine and chlorine mimic iodine. High exposure to these elements leaves them to compete with each other leaving iodine the losing competitor and leaving your body iodine deficient.
4. Use a topical lotion with Magnesium and MSM. MSM is an organic sulfur that works synergistically with magnesium. It encourages detoxification and glutathione production, contributing to optimal health and immune support.
5. Take a liposomal glutathione supplement for two days. Liposomal Glutathione provides the body’s master antioxidant in a liposomal delivery system. Glutathione is an essential component of body clearing processes and liposomal delivery may be the best form of supplementation.
Knowing what to do and what to take can allow you to enjoy some fun summer activities while keeping your health’s priorities at the top of the list. The perks of having these habits in place? Not only is this helping your from chlorine toxicity, but from several other environmental toxins as well.
You can order these individual products or save some money by ordering the protection kit.
Chlorine Toxicity Protection Kit
Make your own Vitamin C Spray. Don’t forget to use it before and after swimming. Get your supplies here:
WARNING ABOUT EOs and the sun. Some EOs are extremely photosensitive. Cedarwood can be one of them. If you choose to use a brand that has a photosensitive EO in your spray, use only as an AFTER-SUN spray. The reason why you’d want this oil in your spay is because of its lymphatic stimulant action and skin healing properties. Just make sure to use AFTER sun exposure. You can also omit it altogether if that is your comfort level.
I hope this helps you enjoy your summer. Finding solutions to minimize health crises just adds an extra layer of peace to your life. Who couldn’t use more of that in their life?
Blessings,
Stacey Upchurch, CHHP
