How good is sweating for you?
Have you ever sweated through your shirt while running to get to a work meeting in time, and decided that time was nigh to get an antiperspirant to take care of the unsightly sweating business? Or maybe that spinning class had you come out of the gym as if you just been through a rainstorm?
Well, hold. Even though a hardcore deodorant might rid you of sweaty pits, it might also do more harm to your health than you realise.
Sweating is a natural – and a much needed – bodily function. Studies have shown that through sweating our bodies release toxins and heavy metals. Although in small amounts they are not harmful to humans, if we try and block their release they tend to accumulate. And that’s when it starts to have an adverse effect on our health.
Our armpits serve as a gateway to our lymphatic system, which is often referred to as the body’s “secondary circulatory system”. If toxins begin to build up and the lymphatic system is disturbed, it affects the whole body and increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer, as lymphatic vessels in the breast connect to lymph nodes under the arm.
Things to keep in mind if you are considering using an antiperspirant:
- Many antiperspirants contain harmful substances, specifically aluminum, which has the ability to block skin pores. With the usual exit channels blocked, sweat is trapped and the body cannot effectively expel the unnecessary elements.
- Aluminum is easily absorbed through the skin, especially through the delicate skin of the armpits. In addition, micro-ulcers may occur during shaving, which promote absorption of substances applied to the skin.
- There is scientific evidence of an association between the use of aluminum-containing products and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is important to be aware of the health effects that some of the ingredients in daily cosmetic products can have on your health. With that in mind, choosing more natural products and brands that are transparent about the ingredients in their formulas might help prevent potential health problems connected to the use of certain ingredients.
We recommend that you pay attention to the ingredients list of your antiperspirant (otherwise referred to as the INCI list), and urge you to choose a deodorant that contains only natural ingredients and does not include hazardous additives.
What you really want from a good deodorant are antibacterial agents that help neutralize sweat odor as well as balance perspiration.
And the next time you come out of a sweaty workout or a dash up to the office for that meeting, be grateful that in addition to good physical activity your body has also had an opportunity to release toxins and have a bit of a cleanse – no detox smoothies involved.
