
Inside this Article: Maintaining health and wellness during pool season, including how to detox chlorine from the body.
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It’s full-swing into Summer now, which means it’s time to gear up for some fun in the sun and most likely take a jump or two in the pool.
I had a client asked me what I do for my kids in the Summer with all the times we go to the pool or are in the sun, and still stay focused on their health & wellbeing. I thought I’d share what I said to her.
Whether you’re planning a day at the pool or simply enjoying some relaxing time in the sun by the water or maybe gardening outdoors, having the right essentials can make all the difference.
Here are my go-to items in my bag when I spend a day in the sun or by the water.
#1 – Wide Brimmed Hat / SPF Hat
Protect your face and scalp when playing outside for long periods of time with a wide-brimmed hat that offers UPF protection. I love to have a hat with adjustable straps to help them stay on heads, especially if they’re playing in water, a breeze is going or we’re riding on a boat.
My son loves his hat (this one) and I recently got this stylish straw hat and it’s perfect for the pool or baseball game and keeping the sun off my face and neck.
#2 – Non-toxic Sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen that is safe for both you and the environment, preferably one that’s mineral-based, fragrance-free and free from harmful chemicals. Here are our favorites and have good scores on the Think Dirty app, which rates products from levels of 0-10, indicated from completely non-toxic and safe or very toxic and has carcinogenic chemicals and ingredients to avoid. These are what I have in our house and my kids are super sensitive to sunscreen, so they pass their tests too!
- Think Baby / Think Sport Sunscreen (mineral, it’s a white cream application)
- Aveeno Sensitive Spray Sunscreen (goes on clear and dries quickly)
- Kiss my Face Mineral Spray (it’s white but rubs in well)
- Babyganics Mineral Spray (it’s also white, but rubs in well and super gentle & works!)
#3 – Stainless Steel Water Bottles with Electrolytes
Stay hydrated and keep drinks cold with stainless steel water bottles (plastic water bottles leach chemicals and other non-negotiables, especially when heated.) We stay away from straw-based water bottles because they’re too hard to keep clean and free of mold.
I add electrolytes into water so they are immediately replenished when we’re sweating and great for sporting events. We love LMNT watermelon flavored electrolytes or Ultima Electrolytes has yummy grape, cherry and citrus flavored electrolytes without preservatives or yucky ingredients.
Heads up: If you get headaches with electrolytes and sun exposure, it could be the monk fruit sweetener, so check labels!
#4 – Chlorine Removing Shampoo and Body Wash
After swimming, I love to support all our bodies by not only removing chlorine from the skin and hair using chlorine removing shampoo/body wash, but with nutritious foods, supplementally and through clean water to help them naturally purge chemicals.
#5 – Cover Ups and Grab a Sun Shade
Keep yourself and your children covered in the sun when you’re outside for long periods of time. This might be a swim cover-up or outdoor covered tent space to keep in the shade if you aren’t near naturally shaded areas.
After a few hours of swimming, of if they’ve been outside a lot recently with sun exposure, they’ll throw on a long-sleeved t-shirt or an SPF50 swim shirt to stay covered up. We drag our pop-up shade tent to swim meets, baseball games, the lake and pool. It’s gotten way more use than I planned over the years and it’s been a lifesaver from the sun many times!
#6 – Wired Headphones
Relaxing poolside or at a park with my favorite podcast or music playing, I always use wired headphones and do not allow our teenagers to use wireless headphones ever. Independent testing of wireless headphones and imaging of the brain has produced too many scary findings of radiation and EMF exposure to ever make me feel comfortable using them.
#7 – Nutritious Snacks
My kids want to eat snacks all summer long and I’m not sure how they survive the school year without constant snacking. To keep everyone properly fueled, I pack a lot of nutrient dense snacks such as:
- seaweed,
- cut up apples with cinnamon or a container of nut butter,
- chopped vegetables,
- oranges,
- berries,
- watermelon,
- grassfed Paleo Valley beef sticks,
- Simple Mills crackers.
#8 – Sunglasses with UV Protection
While, I do not advocate for wearing sunglasses all day long because your eyes need exposure to the sun for the natural production of melatonin and regulating your body’s natural circadian rhythm (your sleep cycle), glasses can be helpful to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare. Especially if you know you’re going to be around water for a few hours or have lighter colored eyes, opt for polarized with UV protection sunglasses.
By incorporating these essentials into your day at the pool, around water, outside or at an outdoor sports event, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and health-conscious experience for you and your family.
Related Summer Wellness Resources:
- How to Effectively Detox Chlorine from the Body after Swimming in a Pool
- Simple Steps to Reduce Toxins in Your Home
- Hack Your Circadian Rhythm for Better Sleep at Night Naturally
- Safe Drinking Options for Children: Non-Plastic & BPA-Free Bottles and Sippy Cups
- Antiperspirants Exposed: 8 Toxins in Your Deodorant & Natural Alternatives
- How to Remove Chlorine & Chemicals from Bath Water