While aluminum exists on the earth’s crust, it can be a poison in your body and serves no purpose there. Research identifies aluminum as a neurotoxin which has been found in high concentrations in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. If you use antiperspirants or some deodorants, you are ingesting aluminum through your skin.
Aluminum salts can be found in over one-quarter of some antiperspirants. This becomes a serious problem when you consider that antiperspirants are applied daily or sometimes more than once daily. Over a number of years, the body has been exposed to a tremendous amount of aluminum.
Antiperspirants clog pores that release sweat from your arms. However, this blocking shuts down a major detoxification route and also raises concerns about where the metals are going once you roll or spray them under your arm.
In a bizarre accident in 1988, where a truck driver poured 20 tons of aluminum sulphate into a tank of drinking water, the powerful effects of aluminum were seen. Over 20,000 people in a small village were exposed to poison and developed a very rare type of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. These people also had high levels of aluminum in their tissues.
Alzheimer’s is not the only concern when it comes to commercial underarm hygiene products. Aluminum has also been linked to cancer. A study conducted in 2006 found that aluminum salts can mimic estrogen and increase the risk for breast cancer in women.
This would make sense because antiperspirants are used under the arm which puts the aluminum salt absorption site dangerously close to breast tissue. In addition, when women shave under their arms it also increases the aluminum-salt absorption rate because the skin is damaged.
Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants
Deodorants and antiperspirants are not the same thing, and deodorants may actually be less harmful. They work by neutralizing the sweat and bacteria but do not block the sweat glands themselves so that you still sweat.
On the down side, many deodorants still contain aluminum and also parabens which have been linked to breast cancer. So, at the end of the day, you are better off avoiding both antiperspirants and deodorants if you can.
What About “Safe” Crystal Alum Antiperspirants?
Deodorant stones are a popular natural alternative to commercial deodorants and are used by people who wish to avoid aluminum and other chemicals, however, these crystal rock options may claim to be aluminum-free, but the aluminum in them is just a different type of aluminum known as alum.
Potassium alum is made of natural mineral salts which manufacturers claim has molecules that are too big for the body to absorb; however, there has been no substantial data to support this.
While it may still be a healthier choice over other antiperspirants and deodorants, it is not necessarily the best. Aluminum is still aluminum, and it is important to understand this when choosing underarm protection.
Safe Options
Here are 3 easy-to-make, aluminum free underarm protection options that work to keep you feeling fresh and clean without worry. If you still choose to purchase your protection, avoid any products with potassium alum, potash alum, alum or potassium aluminum sulfate.
Quick and Easy Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter
- 2 tablespoons of shea butter
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 30 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Melt the cocoa and Shea butter in a glass dish in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stop and stir the mixture every 20 seconds.
- Stir the remaining ingredients in with the butters.
- Pour into desired container like an old deodorant stick container. Let the mixture set and then it is ready to use.
Coconut Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of arrowroot
- Coconut oil
- 20 drops of lavender or lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot in a small bowl.
- Slowly add melted coconut oil to the powder mixture until it is about the consistency of glue.
- Stir in the essential oil and pour in a container to set.
Deodorant Mist
Ingredients:
- 3 ounce spray bottle
- Distilled water
- 1 tablespoon of epsom salts
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Pour heated distilled water into the 3 ounce spray bottle until it is halfway full.
- Add 1 tablespoon of epsom salts and 1 pinch of baking soda. Put the lid on the container and shake until salt is dissolved.
- Fill the rest of the container with lemon juice and shake to mix. The deodorant is now ready to use.
Now, don’t you smell sweet!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/16/aluminum-lurks-in-crystal-deodorants.aspx
