If left unchecked, toxins and metals can accumulate and cause severe damage to our bodies. And due to their young age and the fact that their systems are still developing, babies, toddlers, and young children are even more affected by these toxins than we are as adults. Detox baths are an easy and gentle way to help your child detox naturally. Is there anything worse than a child (or a house full of them) who is under the weather? Toxins are abundant in our modern lives, and our kids are more susceptible to them than we realize. From the shampoo and toothpaste you use to the pesticide your child’s school sprays on the school yard, it’s hard to keep toxins away from ourselves and our kids.
But by focusing on clean, organic, whole foods, we’re not just avoiding harmful additives. We’re actively supporting our kids’ natural detox processes. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress on their bodies. Fiber-rich foods support healthy gut function, which is crucial for toxin elimination. And foods high in B-vitamins and folate provide the nutrients necessary for optimal liver function. Moreover, many of these processed foods lack the essential nutrients that support detoxification.
These issues arise when detoxification pathways—such as glutathione conjugation, methylation, and sulfation—become overwhelmed by the toxic burden. Detox baths containing Epsom salts should not be used to treat a magnesium deficiency. Consult a doctor if you or your child is showing symptoms of a magnesium deficiency. Tea tree oil has long been used as an acne treatment due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil can be harsh on the skin, so it should not be used on babies younger than 6 months old. Add all ingredients into a standard tub of warm water and let your child soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Children suffering from skin issues such as yeast or eczema also benefit from apple cider vinegar in their bath water as it promotes healing and helps balance the pH of their skin.
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage improve detoxification pathways of the liver and are a great source of fiber.
- The liver is one of the most important organs in the body because it is responsible for ridding the body of toxic waste.
- A detox bath is not a substitute for healthy living, but it’s a good tool in your toolbelt.
- Magnesium is used in many of the body’s biochemical reactions and benefits muscular and nervous functions.
Essential Oils in Detox Baths for Kids
This is also the time when I discovered the natural healing properties of a detox bath to help my kids detoxify their bodies from toxins, relax, sleep better and boost their immune systems. You may use different essential oils in a detox bath for kids depending on what you would like to achieve with them. Avoid using “hot” essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, and peppermint in baths, as these may cause a burning sensation on the skin.
Detox with an Epsom Salt bath
Some nights, my youngest would come down 20+ times…other nights I had 2 little boys in bed with me, taking up the bed. It’s all about finding what helps your little one get the restful sleep they need to support their body’s natural detoxification processes. Our little ones are facing a unique challenge in today’s world. Their developing bodies are bombarded with toxins from processed foods, pesticides, and artificial additives. These toxins can overwhelm their still-maturing detoxification systems, potentially leading to various health issues. Plus, a diverse and healthy gut microbiome supports the body’s glutathione production.
It’s a powerful way we can protect and nurture our children’s health every single day. The toxins that aren’t eliminated can accumulate in fatty tissues and organs, potentially leading to various health issues over time. This is why we often talk about the “body burden” or “toxic load” in functional medicine. Their developing organs, especially the liver and kidneys, work hard to filter out these harmful substances. However, children’s detoxification pathways aren’t fully mature, which means they may not process toxins as efficiently as adults.
Can This Help Your Family Thrive?
If your child starts to shiver or feel dizzy during the detox bath, take them out immediately and dry them off. After a detox bath, make sure to have your child drink plenty of water to replenish fluids. Many people use Epsom salts to relieve muscle aches and promote recovery. This recipe also contains baking soda, which can help soothe skin itching and inflammation caused by fungal infections and poisonous plants.
Get Your Kids To Drink More H20!
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in detoxification, particularly in the liver. It helps neutralize free radicals and assists in the removal of heavy metals and other toxins. The warm bath and magnesium absorption promote relaxation, shifting the nervous system into a parasympathetic state. This “rest and digest” mode is crucial for optimal detoxification, as stress can impair the body’s ability to eliminate toxins effectively.
One study found that an active ingredient in bentonite clay can have a bactericidal-type effect on the bacteria that cause staph10. Adding bentonite clay to the bath of a child who suffers eczema can be life-changing. By removing the toxins from the child’s skin, they can begin to see healing. Increasing the fiber content of your meals helps improve the elimination of toxins, improve liver enzymes involved in detoxification, and supports healthy body composition.
Detox baths contain ingredients such as Epsom salts, essential oils, and even baking soda which are said to have natural healing and soothing properties. Lately, my kids and I have become quite addicted to our nightly detox baths. There’s nothing like taking a hot bath, lighting a few candles, and allowing the troubles of the day to simmer away.
Benefits of a detox bath:
Try my easy chia pudding recipe for a tasty and convenient source of fiber. It is a controversial question and I believe that the reason for the controversy is because of the often harmful way that detoxes are applied in the natural health community. Kids don’t need to take harsh laxative or diuretic herbs to “flush” their systems and they definitely don’t need to fast or severely restrict their food intake. These strategies have the potential to make kids (and many adults) quite sick. However, it is undeniable that we are living in a world that is more toxic than ever.
Best Natural Stain Removers
She spends her time finding joy in her every day moments and helps other mamas and young women embrace a happy, healthy, peaceful life. The gut microbiome produces enzymes that help break down toxins and other harmful substances. These beneficial bacteria also create short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which support the integrity of the gut lining.
Adding baking soda to child detox bath a detox bath helps to neutralize the chemicals in the water, especially chlorine. But, if you unsure about your water, or if you know that it is not filtered, then add in some baking soda. One of the most effective ways to help your child detox is with a detox bath. Not only is it soothing, but it also encourages the body to eliminate toxins through the skin.
It is normal for the water to turn a yellow or even brown color. You may need to run the water a few degrees cooler than usual, as ginger has a thermogenic effect which may cause the bath to feel “hotter”. We live and play in a world full of toxins, but our bodies are capable of handling them given the right support. A lifestyle that includes gentle, sustainable detoxification strategies is preferable to harsh, purging cleanses for people of all ages and especially for children. Sometimes more support is needed and it is important to choose products that were formulated with the specific needs and sensitive systems of children in mind. Sweating is an often overlooked route of elimination, but it is vitally important to healthy detoxification.
It’s important to note that detox baths should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle rather than as a standalone solution for detoxification. Detox baths with epsom salt are a favorite way to support detoxification. For kids over age 1, add 1-2 cups of epsom salt to the bathtub and soak for 20 minutes or less.
If you have access to a rebounder or trampoline, encourage your kids to use it and join them yourself if you’re able. Jumping on a rebounder or trampoline (with age-appropriate safety guidelines) helps support the lymphatic system and usually produces lots of laughs. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage improve detoxification pathways of the liver and are a great source of fiber.