Avoid Antiperspirants

What do you use on your underarms?

IF it is an antiperspirant that contains aluminum, you may be risking your health. In a recent study in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, British scientists measured levels of aluminum in breast tissue from 17 breast cancer patients. in all cases, aluminum content was highest in the upper outer quadrant of the breast - the area closest to the armpit, where most breast malignancies are found.

This does not prove that antiperspirants cause breast cancer. The upper outer quadrant of the breast contains the most breast tissue, which may explain why most cancers form there... and breast tumors may be more prone to attract and store this metal. On the other hamd,studies show that skin is permeable to aluminum. Also, animal studies demonstrate that aluminum is carcinogenic, perhaps because it damages cell DNA and/or has effects similar to those of the hormone estrogen, which promotes certain cancers. Additional concern: Aluminum is toxic to the nervous system and brain.

Antiperspirants are not the same as deodorants. Antiperspirants stop sweat flow to the skin surface by temporarily plugging sweat ducts - less sweat means less bacterial growth, which means less odor. Typically, the active ingredients in roll-ons and sprays are aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate and/or aluminum zirconium. Deodorants - which usually contain no aluminum - do not halt perspiration, but instead generally use alcohol-based formulas to inhibit bacterial growth.

Recommended for women and men:

Unless underarm wetness is a significant problem for you, opt for deodorant instead of antiperspirant. All-natural brands (sold at health food stores) include Tom of Maine original stick.....Aubrey Organics Calendula Blossom Natural Deodorant spray.... and Alvera Roll-On Deodorant. Source: Bottom line: Natural Healing with Dr. Mark Stengler