Detox Baths: Why You and Your Child with Autism or ADHD Should Take Them Often

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The human body is a detoxifying machine. At any moment in time the body is going through the stages of detoxification. This process is what breaks down harmful agents (metabolic by-products, bacteria, environmental toxins, etc.) and excretes them from the body. There are multiple organs that support detoxification in the body. These organs are the: 

  • Liver 

  • Kidneys

  • Intestines

  • Lungs

  • Immune system

  • Lymphatic system

  • Skin

The detoxification organ we are focusing on is the largest human organ, averaging 20 sq ft and about 10% of our total body weight: our skin.1 The skin is our first line of defense against exterior offenders, like bacteria, viruses, and chemical toxins. The skin’s sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum that helps to lock in moisture, and keep the exterior environment out, by creating a barrier. Although the skin is an excellent first line of defense, it is not impermeable armour.

With roughly 1.5-5 million sweat glands, most concentrated in the palms and feet with 600-700 glands per square cm,2 the skin detoxifies via sweat by excreting nitrogenous waste like urea, uric acid and ammonia. Conversely, with 20 blood vessels per share inch, the skin can take in environmental toxins, found in lotions, cosmetics, cleaning/industrial chemicals, and drugs via absorption. Absorption, facilitated by hair follicles and glands,1,3 can also be a way to take in certain nutrients that support our body’s systems. 

The transcellular exchange between certain minerals in bath water and cellular fluids facilitates the absorption of minerals into the cells. Magnesium and Potassium are maintained at high levels within the cell,3 and magnesium deficiency is most prevalent in people who abuse alcohol, have malabsorption diseases (Crohn’s, Celiac, intestinal surgery, diarrhea), or take medications that deplete the nutrient.4 

Potassium homeostasis is dependent on magnesium, and a magnesium deficiency can lead to a secondary potassium deficiency. Therefore, the magnesium deficiency must be repleted for potassium intracellular stores to be repleted. 

Emerging research is looking at heat as a permeation enhancer that increases the permeability of the tough skin barrier,5 and soaking in a hot bath is a natural way to increase the skin's permeability. If you are someone who is at risk for these insufficiencies/deficiencies, due to illness or medication, then soaking in a mineral bath may be helpful. Below, find Jade’s mineral bath for transdermal absorption of potassium, magnesium, and boron to sample.

Borax Detox Baths for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD

Borax detox baths can be very beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD as well. Advocates of borax detox baths suggest that the mineral may aid in the removal of heavy metals from the body, which some theorize could contribute to improved cognitive function and behavior in children with ASD and ADHD. While there is limited scientific evidence supporting these claims, some parents and practitioners report anecdotal improvements in their children's overall well-being, including better sleep, increased focus, and reduced hyperactivity.


Mineral Bath

For transdermal absorption of potassium, magnesium, and boron
*make sure all ingredients are USP grade

• ½ cup Epsom salt

• ¼ cup potassium carbonate or bi-carbonate

• ¼ cup organic borax pentahydrate order here 

• Add your favorite essential oil blend to the epsom salt if desired, to ensure dispersion in the water. Lavender, frankincense, and copaiba are a great blend for relaxation and muscle pain. 

• Add warm water to the bathtub or footbath. Add minerals and mix thoroughly. Soak for 20-30 minutes.

*USP: United States Pharmacopeia grade, making it therapeutic quality

**Do Not use borax in the forms of sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, disodium tetraborate, or boric acid as these can be toxic as well as irritating to the skin. Do Not inhale any forms of borax or use on open or damaged skin, as this can lead to toxicity.


References

  1. CDC: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); SKIN EXPOSURES & EFFECTS. last reviewed:  July 2, 2013 https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html 

  2. Krzysztof Kobielak, Eve Kandyba, Yvonne Leung, Chapter 22 - Skin and Skin Appendage Regeneration, Translational Regenerative Medicine, Academic Press, 2015, Pages 269-292, ISBN 9780124103962, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-410396-2.00022-0.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124103962000220)

  3. Chandrasekaran NC, Sanchez WY, Mohammed YH, Grice JE, Roberts MS, Barnard RT. Permeation of topically applied Magnesium ions through human skin is facilitated by hair follicles. Magnes Res. 2016 Jun 1;29(2):35-42. doi: 10.1684/mrh.2016.0402. PMID: 27624531.

  4. Magnesium rich foods. The Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed Nov. 24, 2020. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15650-magnesium-rich-food 

  5. Szunerits S and Boukherroub R (2018) Heat: A Highly Efficient Skin Enhancer for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 6:15. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00015

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