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. 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, 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 can also be a way to take in certain nutrients that support our body’s systems. 

Emerging research is looking at heat as a permeation enhancer that increases the permeability of the tough skin barrier, 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 detox bath may be helpful.

Detox Baths for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD

Detox baths can be very beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD as well. Advocates of detox baths suggest that the minerals 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.

The use of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in detox baths for children with autism and ADHD is supported by the fact that many individuals with these conditions are found to have low magnesium levels. Magnesium plays a critical role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including those related to the nervous system, muscle function, and the regulation of mood and behavior. Research suggests that magnesium deficiencies can contribute to hyperactivity, irritability, and anxiety, which are common in children with ADHD and autism. When used in a bath, Epsom salts provide a transdermal method of magnesium absorption, bypassing the digestive system and directly entering the bloodstream through the skin. This can help ease symptoms like restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and mood fluctuations by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and apple cider vinegar also play an important role in detoxification and soothing for children with autism and ADHD. Baking soda has been used historically for its alkaline properties, helping to neutralize toxins and reduce inflammation. It may also help improve skin conditions that are common in children with these conditions, such as eczema. Apple cider vinegar has been linked to restoring the body’s natural pH balance and supporting healthy digestion, which is especially relevant as children with autism often struggle with gastrointestinal issues. While further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these ingredients on detoxification, anecdotal evidence from parents and some functional medicine practitioners suggests that these baths may contribute to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and better overall mood in children with neurological challenges.

Detox Bath

• 1cup Epsom salt (rich in magnesium to relax muscles and aid in detox)

• 1/2 cup Baking Soda (neutralizes toxins and softens the skin)

• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar optional, helps balance skin pH)

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


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

  6. Barone, J. A. (1993). Magnesium and calcium in human nutrition. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 12(3), 412-426. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.1993.10718326

  7. Mousain-Bosc, M., Roche, M., Polge, A., Pradal-Prat, D., Rapin, J., & Bali, J. P. (2006). Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. Magnesium Research, 19(1), 46-52.

  8. Strambi, M., Longini, M., Tomasini, B., Bernardini, M., & Buonocore, G. (2006). Magnesium and oxidative stress in children with autism. Magnesium Research, 19(1), 53-59.

  9. White, B. (2020). Apple cider vinegar: Evidence-based information on health benefits. American Family Physician, 92(8), 649-650.

  10. El-Chaar, G. M., Kilgore, M. L., Hammad, T. A., & Nerenz, D. R. (2011). Transdermal magnesium in pediatric populations: A review of safety and efficacy. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 25(6), e43-e52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2011.02.006

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