New Research Indicates Aluminum in Deodorant Linked To Breast Cancer
We live in a world where the products that we use on a daily basis are actually laden with some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet.
Studies are now showing that continuous exposure to toxic chemicals in personal hygiene products, such as antiperspirants, may be related to allergic reactions, Alzheimer's, and even breast cancer in women [1]. This may come as no surprise considering the fact that most deodorants are made up of aluminum chlorohydrate, as well as up to 20 other toxic chemicals.
Research into the Health Concerns of Aluminum
Recent research from a growing number of international scientists has indicated that the use of common antiperspirant may be linked to benign breast lumps, a condition which may make women more likely to develop breast cancer in the future.
A study from the Journal of Applied Toxicology conducted research on antiperspirant with high levels of aluminum [2]. The addition of aluminum, a chemical which enters the body through the sensitive underarm tissue, works to block our sweat ducts, thus reducing the amount of sweat that the body produces. But is this lack of perspiration and neutralization of body odor worth the constant daily intake of high levels of aluminum?
Similarly, a recent study from Reading University found that cancerous tumors are most likely to appear in the parts of the female breast which is closest to where antiperspirants are applied. Of the women studied, it was found that cysts in the armpit area of the breast had 25x more aluminum than the common amount found in blood.
Furthermore, aluminum acts with an estrogenic effect on the body, known to increase the incidence of breast cancer tumors when in excess. Sadly, this and other studies, show that aluminum exposure is not only related to increased chances of developing breast cancer, but also other diseases such as Alzheimer's. Studies on the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease found that their brain tissue often held high amounts of the aluminum toxins [3].
"Not a single cosmetic company warns consumers of the presence of carcinogens in its products."
-Dr. Samuel Epstein, MD
Environmental Medicine Specialist
The Toxic Chemicals Found in Antiperspirants
Chemical exposure in antiperspirants is not limited to aluminum. There are many other poisonous chemicals, including anti-freeze, in the conventional stick of antiperspirant. Paraben, also a common ingredient in many deodorants, has been linked to higher risks for breast cancer, due to the estrogen-mimicking effect.
Studies done by the U.S. Toxicology Program in 1997 found that hormone disruptors such as PropTEA and DEA, other normal ingredients found in deodorants, were reported to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in animals [4].
Other chemicals such as FD&C colors, triclosan and quaternium compounds have been found to lead to cancerous diseases, dermatitis, allergies and asthma-like symptoms in both animals and humans. Over 90% of the chemicals used in fragrance additives to common personal-care products come from petroleum.
WARNING! These other products may contain Aluminum!
- Antacids
- Vaccines
- Cookware
- Dentures
- Lipstick
- Toothpaste
- Astringents
- Nasal Sprays
- Baking Powder
- Vaginal Douches
- Processed cheese
- Buffered Aspirin
- Hemorrhoid medications
- Anti-Diarrhea Medication
How to Eliminate Aluminum From the Body
- Stop using common antiperspirants. Switch to mineral-based antiperspirants, or even better, a natural deodorant, which does not block the sweat glands. I use the crystal salt deodorant and add about an ounce of colloidal silver.
- Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins in general. Especially do not drink from Aluminum cans.
- Further educate yourself on the toxins present in many of your personal care products. Remember, once ingested, aluminum can negatively affect the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid. It also competes with calcium for absorption, leading to reduced skeletal mineralization.
- If you have been using an aluminum-laden antiperspirant for some time, or drinking from aluminum cans, it is a good idea to do a heavy metal cleanse. The goal is to flush them out before they have time to do serious damage to your body.
References (4)
- Exley C, Charles LM, Barr L, Martin C, Polwart A, Darbre PD. Aluminium in human breast tissue. J Inorg Biochem. 2007 Sep;101(9):1344-6. Epub 2007 Jun 12.
- Darbre PD. Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer. J Inorg Biochem. 2005 Sep;99(9):1912-9.
- Ferreira PC, Piai Kde A, Takayanagui AM, Segura-Muñoz SI. Aluminum as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2008 Jan-Feb;16(1):151-7. Review.
- National Toxicology Program. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine (CAS No. 111-42-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies). Department of Health and Human Services. 1999 July.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.