For me, finding a balanced and holistic life means knowing and understanding the things I am putting on and into my body. I recently learned about the harmful effects of aluminum (one of the most common household items), both in cooking and deodorant, and I think you’ll be pretty shocked by the news. From soda cans to vaccinations, aluminum is actually one of the most widely-used metals and it’s incorporated into more products than you’d ever imagine. While your risk of exposure to aluminum is pretty common, there are a few things you can control – by reducing aluminum use in your kitchen and skipping aluminum-based deodorant under your arms.
Accumulating in the thyroid, liver, brain and kidneys, aluminum exposure has been linked to damaged central nervous systems, degenerative brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and some forms of cancer. Aluminum compounds, predominantly aluminum chlorhydrate, are just one of the harsh substances that make up deodorant, while the use of aluminum in the kitchen is typically in its most basic form – foil and cookware. Take a look below for some ways to avoid aluminum both in your kitchen and on your body:
In the Kitchen:
Give parchment paper a try as a non-stick option in place of foil for baking and cooking.
Use glass storage containers rather than covering or wrapping with foil.
Try cast iron or copper cookware for stovetop cooking.
Avoid drinking beverages from aluminum cans, go for glass-bottled alternatives.
For your Body:
Dust your underarms with a dry mixture of baking soda and cornstarch.
Try a natural deodorant like a deodorant stone or another aluminum-free option. Burt’s Bees, JASON and Kiss My Face make excellent natural alternatives.
Mix witch hazel and your favorite essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) and spritz under arms.
Rub your underarms with a slice of lemon. The citric acid fights odor-causing bacteria.
How do you feel about the harmful effects of aluminum in deodorant and cooking? Will you try to find alternatives?
