When we think about workout clothes, we usually focus on comfort, style, and performance. Brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Under Armour dominate the market with moisture-wicking fabrics, stretchy leggings, and breathable tops that help us perform at our best. However, beneath the surface of these high-performance fabrics lies a hidden concern: forever chemicals, or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals, which are often found in workout clothes, not only pose risks to physical health but may also affect mental health and emotional well-being.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used since the 1940s in various products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to long-term exposure.
In workout clothes, PFAS provide water-repellent, stain-resistant, and oil-resistant properties, keeping athletes dry and comfortable during exercise. However, these chemicals are accumulating in our bodies and ecosystems, causing widespread concern about their impact on health.
The Risks of Forever Chemicals
While PFAS are commonly found in workout gear, emerging research shows that these chemicals can have a profound effect on both physical and mental health. Here are some key risks:
- Cancer: PFAS exposure has been linked to certain cancers, particularly kidney and testicular cancer, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
- Hormonal Disruption: PFAS are known to disrupt hormones, which can interfere with the body’s natural processes, including those related to mood and mental health.
- Immune System Impairment: Studies published in The Journal of Environmental Science have shown that PFAS can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
- Liver and Kidney Damage: Long-term exposure to high levels of PFAS has been associated with liver damage and elevated cholesterol, but it also may affect brain health, which we will explore further.
How Forever Chemicals Affect Mental Health
The physical dangers of PFAS are well-documented, but recent research suggests these chemicals could also impact mental health in troubling ways. Chronic exposure to PFAS has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
- Hormonal Imbalance and Mood Disorders: Because PFAS disrupt the endocrine system, they can interfere with hormone production and regulation. Hormones like cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin play a critical role in mood regulation. When disrupted, these imbalances can lead to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Individuals exposed to higher levels of PFAS are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and emotional instability.
- Cognitive Decline and Memory Issues: PFAS exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity. A 2020 study published in Toxicological Sciences found that PFAS can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to cognitive decline and memory impairment. Over time, these changes in brain function could increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Chronic Stress Response: PFAS have been shown to elevate cortisol levels, which leads to prolonged stress. Chronic stress not only wears down the body but also has significant effects on mental health. High cortisol levels are associated with increased irritability, anxiety, and even insomnia. Over time, this stress response can deplete mental resilience and contribute to burnout.
- Depression and Emotional Fatigue: Long-term exposure to PFAS may alter the brain’s neurotransmitter activity, specifically serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for feelings of happiness and pleasure. A study in The Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives suggested that individuals exposed to higher levels of PFAS are at greater risk of depression and emotional fatigue. This aligns with the broader understanding that environmental toxins can influence brain chemistry, negatively affecting mental well-being.
PFAS in Popular Workout Clothes
A 2021 investigation by Mamavation and Environmental Health News revealed that many popular workout brands use PFAS in their clothing. Brands offering water-resistant, stain-resistant, or sweat-wicking fabrics are especially likely to contain these chemicals. This puts regular wearers of workout clothing—such as fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and yoga practitioners—at higher risk for chronic exposure.
Because workout clothes are often worn for long periods, especially during activities that increase body temperature and sweating, PFAS may be absorbed more easily through the skin. Inhaling microfibers that shed from synthetic fabrics during exercise could also contribute to greater exposure.
How Forever Chemicals in Workout Gear Can Affect Your Brain and Mood
Exercise is known to boost mood and improve mental health, but the PFAS present in workout gear could have the opposite effect in the long term. Regular exposure to these chemicals may negatively impact cognitive function, memory, and emotional stability. Over time, the small, repeated doses of PFAS from your workout clothes could add up, affecting your mental health in subtle but harmful ways.
How to Minimize Exposure and Protect Mental Health
While avoiding PFAS entirely can be challenging, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure and protect both your mental and physical health:
- Choose PFAS-Free Brands: Look for brands that explicitly advertise their products as PFAS-free. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 ensure that clothing has been tested for harmful substances.
- Opt for Natural Fabrics: Workout clothes made from natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, or wool are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
- Avoid Water-Resistant and Stain-Resistant Labels: Clothing with these features is more likely to contain PFAS. Instead, choose simpler fabrics that do not rely on chemical coatings for performance.
- Limit How Often You Wash Workout Clothes: Each wash can release PFAS into the environment and expose you to the chemicals through contact with treated water. Washing less frequently can help reduce this risk.
Conclusion
While workout clothes are designed to help us perform better, they may contain hidden dangers that affect both our physical and mental health. PFAS, or forever chemicals, found in many popular brands have been linked to various health concerns, including hormonal imbalances, cognitive decline, and mood disorders. As consumers, we can make more informed choices by selecting PFAS-free products and prioritizing natural fabrics. By doing so, we protect our health, mental well-being, and the environment.
As awareness grows, it’s essential to continue pushing for safer alternatives in workout apparel, so the clothes designed to improve our performance don’t compromise our well-being in the process.
That’s why at Southlake Counseling near me, we discuss all aspects of health, from mental wellness to the hidden risks in our everyday choices. Who knew our favorite yoga pants could be harming our mental health? We’re here to help you navigate these challenges, offering guidance and support to improve your overall well-being, both inside and out.
