When you think of “lymph nodes”, don’t you automatically think of the ones under your armpits?
I know I do.
Actually, lymph nodes are located all over the body and play an important part in our immune system.
I questioned whether putting antiperspirant and deodorant on my armpits where my lymph nodes were located was a good idea for a long time. I was concerned about blocking my pores. That was until I started investigating what was actually IN my deodorant. Then I realized that blocking my pores was the least of my problems.
Now I don’t use deodorant at all. And I don’t stink. I’ll tell you how in a moment.
Here’s why you should ditch deodorants and antiperspirants:
-Antiperspirants can make you smell worse by altering armpit bacteria.
-The reason your sweat smells is because the bacteria living in your armpits break down lipids and amino acids found in your sweat into substances that have a distinct odor. The less odor-causing bacteria are killed off by the aluminum compounds (the active ingredient in most antiperspirants), allowing bacteria that produce more pungent odors to thrive instead.
-Antiperspirants containing aluminum may promote breast cancer.
-The aluminum chloride in antiperspirants, which blocks your pores from releasing sweat, may also contribute to an increased cancer risk. About 0.12 percent of the aluminum applied under your arms is absorbed with each application. When you multiply that by one or more times a day for a lifetime, it can up to a massive amount of aluminum.
-Freshly-shaved underarm skin is significantly more permeable to aluminum than intact skin. (You’re thinking…”Oh, great, now we need to be stinky AND hairy.”)
-Aluminum may be linked to Alzheimer’s symptoms.
-Aluminum tends to accumulate in brain tissue and is capable of producing Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Only small amounts of aluminum are necessary to have a neurotoxic effect. Alzheimer’s patients typically have elevated levels of aluminum in their brains.
-Deodorants containing Triclosan may be endocrine disruptors.
-Triclosan is used as an antimicrobial agent. It is used in soaps, shampoos and deodorant. Several studies have shown triclosan to adversely affect thyroid and reproductive function in rats. Triclosan-containing soaps don’t appear to provide any benefit over regular soap for preventing the spread of disease, so there’s really no reason to use them anyway.
-Phthalates and Parabens may cause breast cancer.
-Parabens and phthalates are other common ingredients in antiperspirants, and research examining parabens suggests chronic antiperspirant use may lead to a heightened risk of cancer as well, specifically breast cancer. Research determined that higher concentrations of parabens were found in the upper quadrants of the breast area, where antiperspirants are usually applied.
-One study found that an increased concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine was associated with an increased risk for breast cancer.
So What About Natural Deodorants?
There are many brands of chemical-free, aluminum-free deodorants on the market, and many of these are safe alternatives. But you do need to carefully read the list of ingredients.
At the very least, try to find a brand that doesn’t contain aluminum. This means avoiding anything that is an “antiperspirant.”
“Crystal” deodorant stones often claim to be aluminum-free, but some still contain a compound known as alum; the most common form being potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate.
Make Your Own Deodorant Recipe
This recipe adapted from Mommypotamus is simple and uses readily available ingredients.
Ingredients:
-baking soda (where to buy natural baking soda)
-arrowroot powder or non-GMO cornstarch (where to buy arrowroot powder , where to buy non-GMO cornstarch)
-coconut oil (where to buy coconut oil)
-essential oils (melaleuca {aka tea tree}, patchouli, rosemary, geranium, lemongrass, lavender or bergamot essential oil would work well). Be sure to only use pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. You don’t want to add synthetic or impure ingredients back into the mix.
Instructions:
1. Mix equal parts baking soda and either arrowroot powder or GMO-free cornstarch. I use about 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup arrowroot.
2. Blend with 3-5 Tbl. coconut oil until moist.
3. Add about 15 drops essential oil for scent.
4. Store in a glass jar or empty deodorant container (do not reuse commercial deodorant containers).
Seriously. That’s it.
Rub a SMALL amount in using your fingertips until it’s invisible. It works that well! (Plus if you cake it on it can leave oil stains on your clothes).
Detox Your Pits First
Before you start using your own homemade deodorant, you may want to consider detoxing your armpits.
I am not kidding.
The buildup of deodorant and antiperspirant in your armpits may need to be cleared out first. If you try to put the new deodorant on top of the old deodorant buildup, you may have undesired results such as a rash or it simply may not be able to work as well.
The Wellness Mama, one of the most scientific non-scientist people in the world, recommends a armpit detox procedure on her site. Check it out.
I have not tried this detox procedure myself. I quit using deodorant entirely some time ago and apparently I worked all the buildup out of my system. When I began to use my own homemade deodorant, I had no issues.
Submitted by Joli Tripp @ www.simplechangeshealthyresults.com
Blogging about practical ideas for abundant health.