By Stephanie Ray, BCN

Board Certified Naturopath & Mom

Summer is a time for swimming, beach days, pool parties, and family adventures. Time in the water can be wonderful for the body and spirit, but it also comes with exposures that many families don't think about.

As a naturopath and Chinese herbalist, I often remind parents that it's not just what we eat or drink that impacts our health. Our bodies are constantly interacting with the environment around us. During the summer months, that includes chlorine-treated pools, water parks, lakes, rivers, and oceans that may contain pollutants and other environmental toxins.

The good news? We don't need to avoid summer fun. We simply need to understand the exposures and support the body's natural ability to clear them.

Why Summer Water Exposure Matters

Whether you're a toddler splashing in the shallow end, a teenager swimming competitively, or an adult spending weekends at the beach, your body is exposed to substances through:

• Skin absorption

• Inhalation

• Accidental swallowing of water

• Contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes

Children often spend hours in the water during the summer and typically swallow more water than adults. Their bodies are still growing and developing, making them more vulnerable to environmental exposures.

The Hidden Effects of Chlorine Exposure

Chlorine serves an important purpose. It helps keep pool water cleaner.

However, chlorine exposure can still place additional stress on the body, especially during a long summer of swimming lessons, swim teams, pool parties, and vacations.

Chlorine in Pools May Contribute To:

• Dry, itchy, irritated skin

• Red, burning, watery eyes

• Throat and nasal irritation

• Coughing after swimming

• Scalp and hair dryness

• Disruption of the skin barrier

• Increased toxic burden from repeated exposure

• Greater stress on the body's natural detoxification pathways

The strong "pool smell" is often not chlorine itself. It can come from chloramines, which form when chlorine mixes with sweat, urine, sunscreen, body oils, and other contaminants.

Water Pollution in Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers

Many families assume natural bodies of water are cleaner than pools.

Unfortunately, today's waterways often contain contaminants from human activity.

Common Water Pollutants Include:

• Pesticides and herbicides from runoff

• Fertilizers from lawns and agriculture

• Heavy metals

• Microplastics

• Oil, fuel, and industrial residues

• Chemicals from sunscreen, personal care products, and waste

Children and teens can be more vulnerable because they swallow more water, spend more time playing in it, and their bodies are still growing. Adults are also affected because these exposures add to the daily environmental burden the body is already working to clear.

Why Supporting Detoxification Matters

Our bodies are designed with remarkable detoxification systems.

The liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, digestive tract, skin, and lungs all work together to help process and eliminate environmental toxins.

But during periods of increased exposure—like summer swimming season—additional support can be helpful.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we view health through the lens of balance and flow. When the body is overwhelmed by environmental burdens, stagnation can occur. Supporting healthy elimination pathways helps the body maintain resilience and adaptability.

How NDF® Detox Helps Bind Free Chlorine

One of the reasons I recommend NDF® Detox during the summer is because it helps support the body's ability to bind and eliminate chlorine exposure.

Research on chlorella has demonstrated its ability to bind free chlorine. NDF® Detox utilizes a proprietary micronized chlorella combined with cilantro to support the body's ability to bind and eliminate chlorine, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins.

Pools are disinfected with chlorine to kill germs, but free chlorine can still interact with the skin, eyes, lungs, and gut. Children and teens are often in the water for hours. Adults can be exposed through swimming, hot tubs, water parks, and indoor pools.

• Chlorine enters the body through the skin, lungs, and accidental swallowing.

• The body has to process and eliminate that exposure.

• NDF® Detox helps support binding so the body can carry unwanted substances out through normal elimination pathways.

• This is especially helpful in summer when pool, lake, ocean, and water park exposure increases.

Summer should be enjoyed. The goal isn't to avoid swimming pools, lakes, oceans, or water parks. The goal is to support the body before, during, and after exposure so families can enjoy all that summer has to offer.

How Much NDF® Detox to Take During the Summer

For summer chlorine exposure, swimming, water parks, beach trips, lake days, and travel, I recommend increasing NDF support based on exposure levels.

Children

Take 1 dropper of NDF® Detox daily during regular summer swimming.

For heavier exposure, such as swim lessons, swim team, water parks, vacations, or multiple days in the pool:

• 1 dropper before swimming

• 1 dropper after swimming

Teens

Take 1 dropper daily during the summer months.

For heavier exposure:

• 1 dropper before swimming

• 1 dropper after swimming

Adults

Take 2 droppers daily during the summer months.

For heavier exposure:

• 2 droppers before swimming

• 2 droppers after swimming

Mix NDF® Detox in a small amount of water or juice. For best results, take it away from food when possible.

As always, be sure to support healthy hydration and daily bowel movements to help the body eliminate what NDF binds.

A Quick Reminder About Water Safety

While we often focus on what's in the water, it's equally important to remember basic water safety.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children. It can happen quickly and quietly, even in shallow water.

When children are swimming:

• Never leave them unattended near water.

• Designate a responsible adult to actively watch swimmers.

• Avoid distractions such as phones or conversations.

• Use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.

• Teach children water safety skills as early as possible.

The best summer memories happen when families can enjoy the water safely and confidently.

Summer Water Safety Tips for the Whole Family

Before Swimming

• Shower before entering pools

• Stay hydrated

• Check local water quality advisories before visiting lakes or beaches

During Swimming

• Encourage children not to swallow water

• Use properly fitted swim goggles

• Take breaks from heavily crowded pools

After Swimming

• Shower immediately after swimming

• Wash swimsuits promptly

• Hydrate with clean water

• Support healthy bowel movements

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support detoxification

Nutritional Support for Summer Exposures

Focus on foods that naturally support the body's detoxification pathways:

Hydrating Foods

• Watermelon

• Cucumber

• Citrus

• Berries

Make the Most of Summer

Summer is meant for swimming, exploring, and making memories.

Understanding what's in the water doesn't mean avoiding it. It means supporting your body before and after exposure so you can enjoy all the fun that summer brings.