Here’s a blog for those of us that love swimming but hate chlorine.
While some may have access to natural pools all year round or brave outdoor swimming through the seasons. I have recently faced the reality that if I want to swim regularly I need it to be close and I need it to be easy to fit into my work and family life - this means it has to be in a very chlorinated pool. For me personally the benefit of swimming several times a week is to good to miss. I do however take the fact I will be bathing in chlorine pretty seriously!
Chlorine is a powerful oxidizer, and it affects nearly every tissue it contacts, interacting with your skin, hair, eyes, lungs and gut in different ways. Most of these effects aren’t serious if swimming occasionally, sensitive individuals may have mild and temporary symptoms, however, if swimming in chlorinated pools regularly it’s definitely worth thinking about how to minimise it’s affects on our body.
A less spoken about affect of chlorine is on the endocrine system. As women with so many contaminants in our environment already, I feel this is extra important to mitigate possible harm.
I have a history of a delicate thyroid imbalance, and there is a strong scientific theory that chlorine may interfere with how your thyroid uses iodine. Iodine is essential for making thyroid hormone, and some researchers think repeated chlorine or chloramine exposure could displace iodine and contribute to an underactive thyroid.
HOW CAN HOMEOPATHY HELP?
One thing I have seen in practice is people who already suffer from eczema, seasonal allergies, colds that easily move to the chest, or asthma are more likely to be affected by chlorinated pools, exacerbating or triggering underlying conditions or sensitivities. I have used a few remedies with good success reported by families of regular swimmers who in these cases have used homeopathy when symptoms appear or preventatively.
See remedies to take below for acute symptoms following swimming that could help:
Nat Mur : Post nasal drip. Dryness of skin, hair and mucus membranes. May have allergy like symptoms which alternate between nasal congestion and a dripping nose.
Sulphur: If skin symptoms are triggered by swimming, and symptoms are of itchiness, heat and burning in the affected area. Sulphur is also a classic detox remedy.
Nat Sulph: If there is a tendency to respiratory illness and coughing or wheeziness develop or are worse after swimming.
Nux Vom: Lots of sneezing, dry and raw feelings in nose and throat after swimming. Better for warmth and warm drinks. General irritation and lack of patience. Another classic homeopathic detox remedy.
Arsenicum: If allergy /cold like symptoms follow swimming and are of a burning sensation. Chilliness generally but burning in eyes, nose and throat. May be individuals who are generally sensitive to chemical exposure.
If you are a regular swimmer and wanting to mitigate the possible effects of regular chlorine exposure there is the option of taking a more regular dose of Chlorum 30c or Swimming Pool water 30c.
*This should only be taken at your discretion should you be a regular swimmer. If you have symptoms following a swim that match those listed above, it is preferable to take the remedy indicated once immediately before or after swimming.
Important methods of minimising the effects of Chlorinated pools:
Shower before you get in the pool ( your skin will absorb less water in the pool if it is already wet).
Rinse and soap thoroughly after a swim.
Use a moisturizer after showering.
If swimming through the winter, a good quality high dose vitamin C on swim days can be useful. Vitamin C helps neutralize oxidative stress and supports tissue repair, immune function, and collagen production. This is particularly helpful if you experience skin irritation or dryness or cold like symptoms following swimming.
If you are a regular swimmer and have an underactive thyroid or known iodine deficiency, consider a protocol for regular swimmers like I mention above, and be sure to check your iodine levels regularly.
If you are dealing with chronic allergy symptoms or sensitivity to certain environments or contaminants get in touch to discuss how homeopathy might be able to help.
I offer free discovery calls so you can meet me and ask any questions you may have.
