Lump in Armpit Inspires Natural Living
I found a lump under my arm by my breast about a month ago. Not knowing what it really was, but not particularly frightened, I called my obstetrician’s office to have it checked out. My doctor recommended that I have a surgeon take another look at this lump, assuring me that it was probably nothing to worry about. An ominous cloud of thoughts drifted in my mind. Is it cancer? How could this be happening to me? I take good care of myself. I eat fairly well. I exercise regularly. I should be living it up at the ripe age of 28—not worrying about the big C word.
“It’s probably nothing to worry about.” the doc told me. “Given your age, and health, it is most likely either an infection from shaving or deodorant.
I began to recount my actions with regard to my armpits. I had switched up deodorants recently, falling prey to the girlishly pink packaging and label promising to. “Reduce the visual appearance of underarm hair.” With a 5 o’clock shadow of the pits by mid afternoon, I had bought it without a thought. What I hadn’t thought about on that day at the store was; what chemicals have been put into this underarm solid to create this promise? What is deodorant actually made of?
I spend a great deal of time reading the labels of my food choices, making sure that the ingredients are items that I can decode on my own, knowing the source. Yet, without a second glance, I grab products that go on the outside of my body with little consideration for their contents.
The active ingredient in this particular product is Aluminum Zirconium Tetracholorohydrex GLY, 14.8%. What is this? The search had begun.
Aluminum, a known neurotoxin, a substance that causes damage to the nerves or nerve tissue, is commonly found in anti-perspirant products. Aluminum exposure has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease; and studies have shown that Aluminum is absorbed better through the skin than orally. The American Cancer Society claims that no clear link has been made to breast cancer and Aluminum in the breast tissue, however some scientists have suggested that using aluminum based compounds in anti-persiprants may be a risk factor in the development of breast cancer. Could there be a natural cure for sweaty armpits and midday odor?
It became apparent to me that science is deceptive. Through science, and the wonders of chemistry, compounds have been created to make life easier for us all and yet they may be linked to serious diseases and cancers. That’s enough for me. I found a better solution: nature. By embracing the power of essential oils and herbs such as tea tree oil, citrus oils, lavender, sage, and peppermint to name a few, I will be able to control my problem of sweat and stench all on my own with little worry of future disease or infected sweat glands. If I do choose to purchase a product specifically engineered to firm my skin, volumize my hair, or make my odor less offending, my vow is to read the label first and weigh the risks of the chemical compounds against the benefits of a quick fix and fresh feeling.
About the Author:
Sara McMaster believes in laughter, love, and clean armpits. She lives life to the fullest and is dabbling in the fine art of controlling her excessive sweat glands with common household products such as baking soda, lemon, and witch hazel. Keeping it clean has never been simpler.
Resources:
American Cancer Society. Learn About Cancer. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/AtHome/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk
Antiperspirants – Aluminum & Alzheimer’s Disease. http://www.controlyourimpact.com/articles/antiperspirant-aluminum-and-alzheimers-disease/
Mortimer, Cindy. Don't Sweat It! Alive, #212, June 2000. http://www.alive.com/199a1a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=271
I found a lump under my arm by my breast about a month ago. Not knowing what it really was, but not particularly frightened, I called my obstetrician’s office to have it checked out. My doctor recommended that I have a surgeon take another look at this lump, assuring me that it was probably nothing to worry about. An ominous cloud of thoughts drifted in my mind. Is it cancer? How could this be happening to me? I take good care of myself. I eat fairly well. I exercise regularly. I should be living it up at the ripe age of 28—not worrying about the big C word.
“It’s probably nothing to worry about.” the doc told me. “Given your age, and health, it is most likely either an infection from shaving or deodorant.
I began to recount my actions with regard to my armpits. I had switched up deodorants recently, falling prey to the girlishly pink packaging and label promising to. “Reduce the visual appearance of underarm hair.” With a 5 o’clock shadow of the pits by mid afternoon, I had bought it without a thought. What I hadn’t thought about on that day at the store was; what chemicals have been put into this underarm solid to create this promise? What is deodorant actually made of?
I spend a great deal of time reading the labels of my food choices, making sure that the ingredients are items that I can decode on my own, knowing the source. Yet, without a second glance, I grab products that go on the outside of my body with little consideration for their contents.
The active ingredient in this particular product is Aluminum Zirconium Tetracholorohydrex GLY, 14.8%. What is this? The search had begun.
Aluminum, a known neurotoxin, a substance that causes damage to the nerves or nerve tissue, is commonly found in anti-perspirant products. Aluminum exposure has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease; and studies have shown that Aluminum is absorbed better through the skin than orally. The American Cancer Society claims that no clear link has been made to breast cancer and Aluminum in the breast tissue, however some scientists have suggested that using aluminum based compounds in anti-persiprants may be a risk factor in the development of breast cancer. Could there be a natural cure for sweaty armpits and midday odor?
It became apparent to me that science is deceptive. Through science, and the wonders of chemistry, compounds have been created to make life easier for us all and yet they may be linked to serious diseases and cancers. That’s enough for me. I found a better solution: nature. By embracing the power of essential oils and herbs such as tea tree oil, citrus oils, lavender, sage, and peppermint to name a few, I will be able to control my problem of sweat and stench all on my own with little worry of future disease or infected sweat glands. If I do choose to purchase a product specifically engineered to firm my skin, volumize my hair, or make my odor less offending, my vow is to read the label first and weigh the risks of the chemical compounds against the benefits of a quick fix and fresh feeling.
About the Author:
Sara McMaster believes in laughter, love, and clean armpits. She lives life to the fullest and is dabbling in the fine art of controlling her excessive sweat glands with common household products such as baking soda, lemon, and witch hazel. Keeping it clean has never been simpler.
Resources:
American Cancer Society. Learn About Cancer. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/AtHome/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk
Antiperspirants – Aluminum & Alzheimer’s Disease. http://www.controlyourimpact.com/articles/antiperspirant-aluminum-and-alzheimers-disease/
Mortimer, Cindy. Don't Sweat It! Alive, #212, June 2000. http://www.alive.com/199a1a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=271
Look on lush.com for some au natural deodorants. I've read about aluminum, that's what sparked my lush craze. However, 12 dollars well spent quickly become 12 dollars in the garbage at the airport security checkpoint. Be cautious, my friend, not only of the chemicals, but also of the people who think you're au natural ways are crazy. Those people are the one's who really stink. :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I found a great white blazer made by theory at goodwill.... whoot whoot! It's similar to my Banana one, but longer. Loves it!