Is Your Deodorant Making You Fat?
Toxic chemicals can have a devastating impact on a woman’s health and appearance. A number of the biggest offenders are hiding in plain sight. And many of them are linked to a variety of health issues with hormone dysfunction and weight gain leading the list. These obesogenic chemicals are found in many personal care products including deodorants and antiperspirants.
How do obesogens affect the female body?
First and foremost, they disrupt endocrine function. A woman’s endocrine (hormone) system regulates her body’s metabolism, energy, hunger, and feelings of fullness. Exposure to obesogens can lead to metabolic distress, which disrupts the production, dissemination, and communication of hormones. When the hormonal signals that alert the body of its relative hunger or fullness are altered, for example, a woman may continue to eat when she is actually full. Over time, this can lead to weight gain—and to an increased risk of other health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Obesogens can also scramble the body’s cellular communication systems, leading to the accidental development of new fat cells which, in turn, become storage containers for even more toxins. The female body is a smart and well-organized machine that can conquer a multitude of external and internal attacks from sources that range from infectious bacteria to small amounts of poison. When these toxins enter the body, they’re sent to the liver to be broken down and flushed away. But when the liver is already overwhelmed with too many other toxins to process, there’s a backup plan—creating more fat cells that can be used to jail the toxins by locking them up inside.
Are there obesogens lurking in your deodorant or antiperspirant ?
Look closely at the label for any of the five following obesogens:
Parabens. There are many different kinds parabens that used as preservatives in deodorants, antiperspirants, and other personal care products. Because parabens are a known hormone disruptor, there is particular concern surrounding the application of this obesogen so close to a woman’s estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Especially on an every-day basis. Parabens have been shown to have an estrogenic (estrogen-increasing) effect and high estrogen levels can promote the growth of cancer cells in both men and women.
Aluminum. Typically found only in antiperspirants (which work by clogging the pores of the skin) this metal can cause gene instability in breast tissue and promote the growth of cancerous cells or tumors over time. Over 50% of all breast cancers start in the upper outer quadrant of the breast local to the underarm region. And while that’s not proof aluminum is to blame, breast cancer incidence tends to coincide with the use of personal care products that contain metal.
Triclosan. Antiperspirant and deodorant manufacturers add this chemical to their products in order to prevent bacterial contamination, and to kill bacteria on the surface of the skin (which is how deodorants are designed to work). Triclosan usage in personal care products is so common that 75% of all Americans have detectable levels in their urine. Several studies have linked triclosan to abnormal hormone activity. Others suggest that triclosan creates the intestinal microbe imbalances that contribute to the onset of poor body composition and weight loss resistance.
Phthalates. These chemical compounds help deodorants and other personal care products stick to your skin. They also appear to disrupt androgen function—how your body produces and uses testosterone. While testosterone typically thought of as a male hormone, women also produce and need this important hormone to support their energy production and muscle maintenance. Research has also linked phthalates to lower IQs and higher rates of asthma.
Fragrance. Almost every scented product has “fragrance” listed among its ingredients. And it’s impossible to know exactly what chemicals are concealed by that seemingly benign term because scent ingredients are legally protected from being disclosed under trade secret law. A fragrance might contain phthalates—or any combination of toxic chemicals that can cause allergies or skin irritation. Or contribute to the onset of endocrine dysfunction and unwanted weight gain. Here’s a good rule of thumb to remember: if you smell a fragrance coming from something other than an essential oil, it’s probably disrupting your hormones.
Why is limiting your exposure to these underarm toxins so important?
When you consume a toxin found in food or water, there’s a chance it will be broken down and eliminate by your digestive system or liver. But when you put something on your skin, it’s not metabolized and essentially given a free pass directly into your bloodstream. Keep in mind: the longer a toxin sits on your skin, the more fully and completely it will be absorbed.
Fortunately, there are now many non-toxic deodorants to choose from that do not have these synthetic. I hope the following list will give you a few good candidates to choose from:
MagSol Organics Magnesium Deodorants
Native Stick Deodorants for Women
North Coast Naturals Stick Deodorants
M3 Naturals
Humble Brands
ThinkSport Natural Deodorants
Zion Healthy Claydry Deodorant
EarthMama Bright Citrus Deodorant
Honestly Phresh Prebiotic Deodorants
Tierra Mia Organics Deodorant Paste
Alvera All-Natural Roll-On Deodorant, Aloe and Almonds
A quick internet search will also result in a variety of DIY deodorant formulas (you won’t find any for natural antiperspirants). Several plant oils and extracts contain their very own antibacterial powers so, in theory, you could make your own, non-toxic deodorant at home. Some women do struggle to find all-natural, deodorant that works well. If that happens to be your experience, keep trying. Your health, appearance, and performance will all ultimately benefit!