Leaving Behind Aluminum in Your Deodorant

One of the steps in both a man and woman’s morning routine is the application of deodorant. A staple product meant to help control body odor and excessive sweating, most people could not imagine going through their day without it.

Unfortunately, many of the antiperspirant deodorants found on shelves contain aluminum as a main ingredient. These aluminum-based ingredients are meant to plug the sweat duct so you stop sweating.

While this may seem like a good idea, this prevents harmful toxins from leaving your body through your underarms. This leads to toxic buildup in your body, resulting in a variety of side effects and health issues.

Aluminum has been shown to be a neurotoxin and can increase inflammation in the body. Over the years, there have been mounting concerns about the use of aluminum not only in antiperspirants but in other skin care products as well.

LaLa Daisy prides itself in offering a number of natural products. As a result, it is happy to offer alternative options for deodorant for those concerned with better health. The first question you may have before you consider switching is “why is aluminum so bad?”

Aluminum and Cancer

One of the biggest reasons for the concerns regarding aluminum in deodorant is the potential for breast cancer. The theory is this type of cancer begins to develop in the part of the breast close to the armpit.

When aluminum is absorbed into the pit, it may interfere with estrogen or DNA, leading to cancerous changes. Whether or not this theory is true, health experts say there are other ways women can decrease breast cancer risks.

Women should take a closer look at their bras as they can cut off drainage of lymph, which may lead to breast cancer. Popular styles that may be potentially dangerous include underwire bras and tight-fitting ones.

Other breast cancer-fighting tools include regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and eating healthy. Switching deodorants to one that does not have aluminum, such as the L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Stick Deodorant is also helpful.

This natural product helps control body odor without changing the natural process of perspiration. This cooling deodorant from France has a lovely citrus scent and can be used by both women and men.

Aluminum and Kidney Disease

The concerns linked with kidney disease have more to do with those receiving dialysis. These patients take a drug that contains aluminum and, because they are not able to remove the aluminum quickly enough, there is increased accumulation in the body.

Adding even more aluminum via the use of antiperspirants can be extremely detrimental for patients whose kidneys are functioning less than 35%. Those with kidney disease are also at greater risk of developing dementia.

Aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease

A form of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, has been shown to have links to high levels of aluminum in the brain. Aluminum can be found in a wide variety of sources including food, drugs, foil, cans, lotions, cigarettes, and in occupations such as mining and factory work.

A number of cosmetics besides deodorant also contain aluminum, adding to what many people are exposed to on a regular basis. Reading labels may help decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer’s.

Aluminum and Bone Disorders

There has shown to be a plausible link to certain bone disorders and high levels of aluminum. This occurs when there is too much aluminum for the kidneys to metabolize, whether in cases of kidney disease or just high levels.

When this occurs, the mineral is absorbed by the intestines and then transported into the bone. Aluminum is trapped in the bone for long periods of time, and it builds up toxic effects.

The result is it disrupts the growth and activity of bone cells as well as bone mineralization. Aluminum toxicity can lead to:

• Osteomalacia
• Adynamic bone disease
• Renal osteodystrophy
• Non-healing fractures
• Osteoporosis

Women and men who are already at high risk of developing osteoporosis should avoid aluminum as much as possible.

How to Detoxify Your Armpits

OK, you have decided to make the health-conscious switch to an aluminum-free deodorant. Now what? If you go directly from using an antiperspirant to the natural deodorant, you may notice:

• Potent odor of the armpits
• Extreme sweating
• Red bumps or itchy rash in armpits

The first move to get the best results is to detoxify your armpits to get rid of aluminum and other chemicals that have built up. This will also help you smell better as you make the switch.

Start with three simple ingredients – water, bentonite clay, and apple cider vinegar. Mix together one to two teaspoons of water (adjust for desired consistency), one tablespoon of the clay, and one teaspoon of vinegar.

Make sure you mix these in a glass both with a non-metal spoon, as metal contains aluminum. Mix to a sour cream-like consistency.

Spread the mixture over each armpit, making sure it is evenly distributed. Leave it on for five to 20 minutes. Start with a shorter period of time and work your way up.

This mixture may increase blood flow to your pits, resulting in some redness. This is normal and will dissipate quickly. Use a wet, warm washcloth to wipe off, or take off in the shower.

You can also use baking soda as a detoxifying remedy. Begin by scrubbing your underarms with a loofah in the shower. Before drying your armpits, apply baking soda (aluminum-free, of course) and then your deodorant.

Repeat these detoxifying treatments daily, or more frequently, for at least a week. It may seem like extra work, but you will be happier with the results in the long run.

If you are convinced you should leave behind aluminum in your deodorant, this is a great time to try a natural one. With all the gentle and good-smelling alternatives on the market, it is worth trying a switch.

LaLa Daisy offers products for both men and women, and men will enjoy the Truefitt & Hill Deodorant.

It is free of both aluminum and paraben and is formulated to eliminate odor as opposed to just cover it up. Check out LaLa Daisy’s other beauty products.