Ok, when I initially set out to try natural deodorant, I was a complete novice. I assumed, just by switching brands that my body would just “naturally” adjust. I never thought about how many years, I had been filling my skin and lymph nodes with toxic metals and chemicals that it would need a detox! (Yes! Some of have DM‘d me and said you switched without having to detox but that it was a very sweaty & smelly adventure that lasted a few weeks! I was determined to not go through that especially when I would be with people 6 days a week! I don’t know about you but Body Odor smell (even my own) ranks up there with a decaying animal, ummm no thanks!)
Let me back up a bit and explain why in my thirties I am doing this. As many of you know, I battled chronic illness that resulted from food allergies, so it had forced me to take a long, hard, honest look at my body both inside and out. It’s made me recognize that I have been joyriding along and not really checking under the hood so to speak and make sure everything is fine tuned.
So here’s what some common store bought deodorants contain, you be the decision maker on whether or not going “natural” is right for you. I mean it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to google the ingredients on the back of that blue bottle.
• Aluminum– some medical research links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
•Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often also found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility
•Propylene glycol– common name: antifreeze. It is a highly debated additive in personal care products but the Environmental Working Group reports that it carries a moderate risk of immunotoxicity and allergies.
•Formaldehyde- a known carcinogen
•Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
•Antibacterial Substances- Another endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system.
All of you know, how broken my immune system was. I mean, 5 rounds of antibiotics couldn’t even cure one of my symptoms. So you know why I am making the switch. I was raised on Secret deodorant since I was a pre-pubescent teen. My grandmother use to have the blue plastic roll on on her bathroom shelf. It was normal, it was a tradition passed on to my Mom, then to me. What I haven’t shared with you yet, is that my grandmother(s), yes plural have both had some form of breast cancer.
My maternal Grandmother had it by her nipple and my paternal Grandmother ended up having a double mastectomy in her early 80’s. I was recently tested for the 3 genetic markers associated with BRCA1 & BRCA2 and thankfully, my DNA doesn’t have those markers. But that doesn’t mean, I am In the clear. Your environment plays a huge role in toxicity in your system. I just think it’s time for a reboot! Read my next blog on “How To Go Au Natural”, a step by step guide to detoxing your armpits and transitioning to natural deodorant easily (and hopefully stink-free, as I am currently testing this protocol. In the meantime, leave me a comment here if you are interested in learning more about DETOXING.