Deodorant. It’s one of those things that many of us cannot
live without (and for good reason). We use it on a daily basis, and yet, conventional deodorants are
also arguably one of the most unhealthy substances we voluntarily apply on our
bodies every morning.
Aluminum and parabens (chemicals used as preservatives) are
two of the most common ingredients in most antiperspirant/deodorant products.
Unfortunately, these chemicals (as well as many others used in these products)
are toxic and harmful to our bodies, especially in large doses. The small dose
we’re exposed to on a daily basis by applying deodorant is probably not what we
need to worry about; the concern is with the cumulative effect of long-term consistent
exposure.
[Sidenote: Please choose to use a deodorant over an
antiperspirant! Sweating is a normal healthy
process that detoxifies your body. Plugging your sweat glands (especially with
a substance that contains aluminum and other harmful chemicals) is probably not
the best idea.]
The research on the
link between the chemicals found in deodorants/antiperspirants and the risk of
breast cancer is mixed, but studies have hypothesized that parabens and
aluminum can accumulate in breast tissue and have estrogenic effects, which may stimulate the growth of
cancerous cells in the breast. [1]
Many argue that the
risks posed by aluminum present in deodorant are minuscule, especially when you
consider all of the other sources of aluminum present in our environment that
we are exposed to on a daily basis. Perhaps that is true, but why take chances
and further expose yourself to this toxin when alternatives to aluminum-based
deodorants exist and are readily available? You may be thinking that these
natural alternatives are nowhere near as effective as chemical-based
deodorants; it's true that the quest for a good natural deodorant can be a
difficult and involved process. However, I urge you to invest the time and look
for a natural deodorant that works for you. All bodies are different so what works
for one person does not necessarily work for another.
A few years ago, I
began making my own deodorant using alcohol, water, and essential oils. Here’s
how I did it: combine two parts alcohol (grain ethyl alcohol is best,
but I used vodka since that’s what I had on hand) to one part water into a small refillable spray bottle. Add a few
drops of essential oil if you'd like
(I used lavender).
You can also use
baking soda and coconut oil: http://wellnessmama.com/1523/how-to-make-natural-deodorant-beating-the-b-o-with-natural-deo/
.
My homemade deodorant worked well, but truthfully, it wasn’t
very practical. I had to let the liquid dry before putting on a shirt, which
took some time and was hard to do when I was in a hurry to get out the door.
So, after a few months of using the homemade stuff, I began the quest for an effective and easy-to-use natural deodorant that was free of
aluminum and parabens. It took a while for me to find something that worked
with my body, but I am happy to report that I found one and I’m never going
back. It’s called Primal Pit Paste (http://www.primalpitpaste.com/).
Besides having a hilarious name, it also has stellar reviews, suggesting that it probably works well for a lot of people. The ingredients? Organic coconut
oil, non-aluminum baking soda, raw shea butter, arrowroot powder, and lavender
essential oil (there's also a fragrance-free version, if you prefer). That’s it. No aluminum. No Parabens. No chemical-based fragrances.
I ordered Primal
Pit Paste online (opting for the strong version of the paste with the lavender
scent), and after using it for over a week, let me tell you, this stuff works!
It may cost $9 a pop, but I think it is well worth the expense. I’m also
estimating that the jar will last me for at least 8 months, if not longer.
Remember, what you
put on your body is just as important
as what you put in your body,
especially if we’re talking about a substance that you use every day. So pay
attention to the products you use regularly, and don’t assume that the
chemicals in them are safe simply because the cosmetic industry says they are.
Happy deodorizing! :)
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