Detox Your Underarms and Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Many people perform detox programs in order to have a healthier body, but how many of us think about our armpits? OK, so armpits are funny and maybe you think that this article isn’t serious, but it is!

Are you still using those dangerously toxic underarm deodorants?  These are just a few of the toxic ingredients found in most deodorants/antiperspirants:

  • Propylene glycol – Otherwise known as antifreeze. Yes, antifreeze, that stuff you pour in your car’s radiator.  Environmental groups state that this ingredient gives you an increased risk of developing allergies and immune-toxicity.
  • Aluminum – Linked in some studies to certain types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Formaldehyde – Although it does kill germs, it’s also a well-known carcinogen. Yes, this is the stuff used to embalm corpses.
  • Phthalates – This chemical is known to interrupt the body’s production of hormones. It’s often found in plastics and has been linked to infertility problems, especially for men.
  • Parabens – This substance has been found in biopsied breast tissue that has become cancerous.
  • Antibacterial Compounds – Such as triclosan, these are known hormone disruptors that not only breed those antibiotic resistant superbugs, but they have negative effects on your immune system.

Even so-called “natural” cosmetics and deodorants that are sold over the counter contain carcinogenic compounds such as TEA and DEA as preservatives or to help keep pH levels steady. Some of these supposedly natural deodorants even contain artificial colors and “perfumes,” which are also hormone disruptors. Read more about top 10 shocking toxins that are inside your home right now.

These compounds above are just a few of the reasons that, if you haven’t already, you should ditch that deodorant and make your own deodorant. There are numerous recipes that use only natural ingredients online.

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Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com

Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com

If you have ever been sick and found that you had a lump develop in your armpit or neck, then you have felt your lymph nodes at work. Your lymph nodes are part of your immune system, removing bacteria and other pathogens from your body. When you use chemically laden deodorants, you are putting hormone interrupting and carcinogenic substances directly on top of your lymph nodes, which absorb these chemicals directly through the skin.

Your skin is your largest organ. Whatever we place on our skin goes directly into the blood stream. With the ever increasing rates of breast cancer, doesn’t it make sense that we should avoid putting toxic chemicals in this area?  The American Cancer Society stated that in 2013, more than 39,000 women would die from breast cancer that year. For women, breast cancer is the #2 killer of women, second only to lung cancer.

The President’s Cancer Panel made a report in 2010 entitled “Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What Can We Do Now,” which stated that environmental factors were being ignored by the American Cancer Society and that it would be much more effective to prevent cancer rather than attempt to treat it after it develops.

So while you are whipping up your new batch of natural deodorants, this would be the perfect time to do an armpit detox, which will help pull some of those chemicals out of the skin and breast tissue.

 

SEE ALSO: Make Your Own Scented Lotion Bars

 

Many people state that after they do this detox program, they notice much less odor from their armpits, even without using any deodorant at all, as well as less sweat overall.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

If you have ever used a bentonite clay face mask to help remove toxins and clean out your pores, then you understand how you can use bentonite clay to help draw these toxins and chemicals out of your skin. You will need to repeat this routine daily until you notice that your underarm odor goes away. This might take as long as 14 days, but be patient, it is really worth it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 Teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon of bentonite clay
  • 1 or 2 teaspoons of water

Instructions:

  • Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl using a wood or plastic spoon. Do not use a metal bowl or metal utensils.
  • You want the consistency to be something like pudding or sour cream. Add a little more water if it appears to be too thick.
  • Spread an even layer over your underarm.
  • Allow to sit for 5 minutes to 20 minutes. It’s best to start with 5 minutes, and then add a minute every other day until you build up to 20 minutes.
  • Shower or remove with a wet wash cloth.
  • If your skin becomes warm or red, this is normal and will disappear shortly.

Be sure to drink plenty of water to help your body flush out even more toxins (read what water to choose). If you don’t already, you might want to begin incorporating dry brushing into your daily routine, which will also help stimulate lymph circulation.

References:

Breastcancerfund.org

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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