Toxic Deodorant?

    It's an essential, it can be found in most medicine cabinets all over the country, we use it every day, it has direct contact with our skin and most of us think that is saving us (and sometimes those around us!) but do we know what's in it? I would assume that if everyone knew what they were putting on themselves and risking themselves with every day, antiperspirant/deodorant companies all over would be going out of business. That's right! It's that bad!
   The number one hazard is aluminum. Aluminum is a metal that is supposed to block perspiration from leaking out of the pores and while it does work,it's also doing something else: putting our bodies at a higher risk for serious health issues. Aluminum has been found in kidney and liver diseases,in the plaque that covers the brain in Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. There has been much controversy in recent years over whether ordinary antiperspirants are actually causes for such health problems,but even if you don't believe in a direct connection,why not play it safe? Aluminum is what blocks our pores from producing sweat which is the opposite of what their job is. God designed our pores to release perspiration as a natural way to detoxify our body.
  The second is parabens. These are synthetic preservatives that trigger hormonal cancers and early puberty in children as well as some birth defects and organ toxicity. Parabens mimic the estrogen cells in our bodies that promote the growth of breast cancer in women.
  Thirdly is propylene glycol. This is a form of mineral oil also found in antifreeze! Yes,antifreeze! In deodorant,it aids in keeping moisture from escaping the pores but it's also a neurotoxin linked with kidney,liver,heart,central nervous system AND brain problems! This stuff is so bad that factory workers are highly encouraged to avoid skin contact with it to prevent any of these health issues.
   Next is phthalates. These are bad. Phthalates are often hidden under the term "fragrance" but are really doing more than just making us smell good! This ingredient has been linked with all sorts of hormonal abnormalities including infertility in both males and females,obesity and birth defects. It can also worsen allergies and asthma and has been found in problems with the liver and kidneys. Phthalates are found in ALL sorts of cosmetics,plastic toys,furniture and adhesives. Really anything that is plastic contains phthalates in some form.
  Lastly we have triclosan. This is an antibacterial agent that has also been named a "probable carcinogen" by the EPA. The chemical structure of triclosan is similar to that of Agent Orange used as an extremely toxic herbicide in Vietnam.Triclosan has been linked to many hormonal defects,birth defects and muscle weakness.

  Our skin is like a sponge. If you think about it,why would they make nicotine patches and other such skin patches for any other reason than for it to hit the blood stream quickly? Personal hygiene should be a high priority for all of us,but so should taking care of the bodies God gave us. Slathering the skin-especially in such a sensitive place as the underarm-with toxic chemicals every day is detrimental beyond belief! Hormonal abnormalities, liver and kidney diseases, Alzheimer's, cancer... It's not worth it,folks!
  Sadly, many of the "all-natural" products out there still contain some of these ingredients so you MUST be careful and read labels! There are many alternatives to deodorants such as lemon juice,baking soda and corn starch, rubbing alcohol and homemade deodorant products (that way you know what's in it!)
  Is buying a popular brand,or an expensive,high-end "all-natural" deodorant worth risking your health or the health of your children? It is so very important that we all become educated and knowledgeable,read labels,search for alternatives and curb these health problems that are plaguing our world!