I’ve decided to write articles on things I think are important. Which of course, if you know me, will be about organic, natural products. I want to let people know why organic living is better, not only for the environment but also for ourselves, our bodies and our lives. I will be starting an Organic Living Series, which will include articles on of course Organic Living and why it’s so important.

This first article will be about deodorants and why I think this should be the first thing you should switch to organic.

Our bodies not only absorb the things we eat, it also absorbs anything we put on our bodies. Which is why we need to not only eat healthy but also put pure, organic products on our skin. The skin is an organ which absorbs whatever we put on it. There are tons of lymph nodes in your armpit, meaning anything you apply to this area will go straight to the lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system is our drainage system. By perspiring we release toxins from our bodies. Humans are designed to perspire, it’s our bodies natural way to release toxins. However, when we use non-organic deodorants, they contain harmful ingredients which block our lymph nodes, making it hard for our bodies to release any toxins. We are also absorbing the toxins from non-organic deodorants. You see how bad that is? We absorb the toxins, but our body can’t release any toxins so we are trapping all the toxins in our body. Which becomes extremely harmful to us.

The first harmful chemical in deodorants and antiperspirants I’m going to explain is, aluminum.

Aluminum has been shown to cause breast cancer and Alzheimer’s in many cases. Also by blocking the bodies natural response to sweat, may potentially cause bacterial or fungal infections that can result in armpit lumps or cysts.

Parabens are also another chemical found in deodorants and many other cosmetics, which is linked to cancer in many patients.

Propylene glycol is found in so many products. Some of the side effects include; redness, tearing, burning, itching and conjunctivitis. It’s also found in room deodorizers which you inhale on a daily basis. Some of the side effects towards that include; irritation of the mucous membranes, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Triclosan, used in antiseptic hand soaps, shaving gel, toothpaste, deodorant and other hygiene products, has been found to weaken muscle contraction. It also may alter hormone regulation.
After reading ABC news, i found this excerpt on Triclosan- “Originally developed as a pesticide, tricolsan has also been added to common household items such as bedding, clothing, toys and trash bags, and has been for more than 40 years. Trace amounts of the chemical have been detected in waterways, as well as a wide variety of living organisms. In tests on humans it shows up in urine, blood, even breast milk. It is so prevalent that a survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the chemical present in the urine of 75 percent of Americans over the age of 5.” It makes me made that the FDA allows these chemicals in our products!

Talc can be found in personal care, pet care and arts and crafts products, including some deodorant sprays, talcum powder, flea powders, spray paints and powdered makeup, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It has been found to cause respiratory problems, ovarian cancer and if swallowed or inhaled, you may be poisoned. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, lethargy, seizures, coma, muscle twitching, blisters, rash and peeling skin.

Phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors. It is known to affect male and female reproductive organs. They can be found in;
1) food packaging: making adhesives and printing inks
2) perfume carrier in cosmetics
3) used to make some children toys
4) intravenous blood bags and other medical equipment
5) in some paints and vinyl floorings.

Lastly fragrances. It is used to scent a wide range of bath and body products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotions, deodorant, makeup, hair care products, and baby care products. They are also used in household products like air fresheners, laundry detergents, candles, cleaning products – and the list goes on.

Fragrances shouldn’t be confused with essential oils. Essential oils are organic, meaning coming from a natural source. Where as Fragrances are toxic and come from a chemical source. Some of the side effects include; headaches and migraines, sneezing, watery eyes, sinus problems, anxiety, nausea, wheezing (especially in asthmatics), shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, brain-fog, dizziness, convulsions, sore throat, cough, chest tightness, hyperactivity (especially in children), tremor, fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness.

As you can see, if you aren’t already using organic products, then you are exposing your body to some major toxins and chemicals.

Please go out and at least start with using organic deodorants. It can be hard trying to find the right one that works for you. But that’s why I wrote this article. I can’t tell you how many different types of organic deodorant I have tried. I have now come down to 3 different types that range differently. The list is in no particular order.

1) Salubritas, which is a deodorant balm made from shay butter, coconut oil and some other natural ingredients. This one is different from most deodorants because it comes in a can and it’s a balm you have to apply with your hand. They have different scents, which are all nice but I usually get unscented.

Here is the link to the website if you want to know more about it- http://www.salubritasbody.com/

2) Geodeo, this one I suggest for someone who will have a harder time switching their deodorants. Mainly because it’s only 97% natural. Which bothers me because they use Parfum (Fragrance). But they do have an unscented one.

Here is the link to their website- http://www.mygeodeo.com/

3) Lastly, my favorite, Savvy Boheme. This is probably the best deodorant I’ve found. I don’t have a picture to show you because I’ve been using a sample. But it’s great, the scent is peppermint and rosemary which has a cooling effect under the arms.
Here is the link to their website- http://savvyboheme.com/

I know switching can be difficult. We’re creatures of habit, finding comfort in using one particular brand for years. But your body will reward you immeasurably. Trust me.

I’ve even gone so far into being pure by using just vinegar and baking soda. So if you’re someone who wants to be super pure just spray some apple cider vinegar on a cotton pad, wip under your arms then wip some baking soda on top. The vinegar kills any bacteria, getting rid of smell while the baking soda helps absorb sweat. But don’t worry you won’t smell like vinegar! The smell goes away after about 5 min.

You can also make your own deodorant balm. This is what I have been using for awhile now, and it works great! All you need is:

3/4 cup baking soda

5 tablespoons coconut oil

essential oil of your choice (I used peppermint because I like the cooling affect) all you need is a few drops of this.

Mix everything together and store in a sealed glass container. Use it as a balm under your arms.

On the side note- Natural deodorants don’t stop you from sweating. We are made to sweat, like I said before, that’s how our bodies release toxins. Embrace it. Know how healthy your body is because it’s releasing toxins and cleansing you from the inside out.