January is usually the time of year when everyone is making healthier choices, new years resolutions and all that. So I thought now is as good a time as any to share my thoughts on deodorant and antiperspirant. You all know by now that breast cancer hits really close to home for me, so anything I can do to prevent that, sign me up. My good friend Mark was the first to bring up the deodorant and aluminum conversation. First thoughts...uh you are nuts. But it really sunk in and struck how much sense he was making after all. Think about it...you put on deodorant everyday, right by your breast tissue. Have you ever checked out the ingredients on the label of your favorite brand? (i.e. Secret, Dove, Sure) Number one is always aluminum. So you are putting aluminum right into your body, daily.
Now admittedly, when Mark gives us health advice, we usually take him at his word cause we trust him. But I know you all probably think I am sounding nuts, so I pulled up some research for you to read. Dr. Mercola is a wellness expert who focuses on natural healing. He was voted the 2009 Ultimate Wellness Game Changer. His website,
mercola.com, is the worlds #1 natural health website. He may seem extreme, but he really knows health. He posted an
article on this very subject. Here are a few key points.
"Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms -- with the active ingredient being aluminum. Not only does this block one of your body's routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these metals are going once you roll them (or spray them) on."
"Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the volume of some antiperspirants, and a review of the common sources of aluminum exposure for humans found that antiperspirant use can significantly increase the amount of aluminum absorbed by your body. According to the review, after a single underarm application of antiperspirant, about .012 percent of the aluminum may be absorbed. This may not sound like much until you multiply it by one or more times a day for a lifetime, which adds up to massive exposure to aluminum -- a poison that is not supposed to be in your body, and may be more toxic than mercury. Aluminum salts can mimic the hormone estrogen, and chemicals that imitate that hormone are known to increase breast cancer risk. Animal studies have also found that aluminum can cause cancer. Aside from vaccinations, your antiperspirant may be your largest source of exposure to this poisonous metal!"Why is Aluminum Harmful to our Bodies?
Aluminum has been associated with a variety of health issues², including:
Seizures
Breast Cancer
Alzheimer's Disease
Bone Formation DisorderNow, you may think this is all nonsense, and that is your right. But I am still going to put all the info out there for you to consider. IF you find this as compelling as I did, here is a great alternative. I tried the store bought natural deodorants, like Toms, and I felt so smelly everyday. Mark told me that it takes a couple weeks for your body to get used to the natural stuff. The 'Liquid Rock' by Kiss My Face is the best of the store bought brands. But the best solution of all is to make it yourself!
All you need is aluminum free baking soda and coconut oil. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 5 or 6 tablespoons of coconut oil. The softer the coconut oil, the easier it will be to mix. You can also add a few drops of scented oil if you want a more feminine scent. I store ours in a baby food jar because it seals tightly and travels well. Any glass container with a lid will work.
Give it a try! Let me know what you think!
