I’ve been wanting to write about this topic for SO FREAKIN LONG! But I wanted to do as much research as I could before I did. I, like many of you I’m sure, intuitively assumed that chlorine water probably isn’t the best for our health. But after watching Lizzie try to drink a full cup of pool water at a friends house (KIDS!) I decided it was time to do a little research on the topic and share my findings with all of you.
Problems with Chlorine in Pool Water
Let’s touch upon the very basics, according to this article, “Chemicals in chlorinated swimming pools may cause asthma, respiratory problems and even cancer.”
Even more so, this article explains, “Swimming in a chlorinated pool may increase your risk of developing cancer, suggest a new suite of studies, which identified more than 100 chemical byproducts in pools that use chlorine as a disinfectant.”
EEK! This Oxford Journal of Medicine article discusses how chlorine water increases your risk of bladder cancer. And a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledges that children with chlorine exposure had a noticeable correlation with allergies or asthma.
And while Chlorine serves its purpose of killing microbes in pool water, it is obvious there are effects of swimming in it. We absorb the chemical through our bodies through the skin, by breathing air at the surface of the water and when exercising / swimming hard, and when breathing faster while swimming we actually expose ourselves even more.
And while there area alternative ways to kill bacteria in the pool such as using ozone, copper and silver ions, or even moss – that may not be a viable option if you are on vacation, belong to a swim club or are attending a friends bbq. So let’s discuss how we can minimize the exposure.
Vitamin C Nuetralizes Chlorine
According to the USDA, both ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate (two common forms of vitamin C) will neutralize chlorine.
I am in the middle of consuming all of this information myself but Ben Greenfield Fitness has some GREAT information on the correlation between Vitamin C neutralizing chlorine water, find those lectures here.
Vitamin C Options
So here are some options for all you swimmers out there:
1 – Consume vitamin C via ascorbic acid (dosage may vary, consult with doctor and always read the dosage instructions!)
2- Consume vitamin C via sodium ascorbate (dosage may vary, consult with doctor and always read the dosage instructions!)
3- Buy an after swim spray on AMAZON
4 – Create a DIY swim spray (see recipe below!)
5 – Use Wellness Mama’s DIY Dechlorinating Lotion
6 – Add vitamin C to premade sunscreen (another Wellness mama tip!)
DIY Swim Spray
I found this combo via this amazing blogger and I love it. I add a few essential oils to it for extra protection. It is so simple:
- Directions: Mix 1/2 tsp sodium ascorbate with 4 ounces of distilled water. (Use within 24 hours for effectiveness). It is optional to add in a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oils.
- Use: Generously spray After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray all over immediately after swimming. The vitamin C neutralizes the chlorine.
Are you going to give it a try? Share your thoughts below! xx Erica
