Truly, Madly, Sweaty…

I don’t wear antiperspirant.

I’m not kidding.

I’ll keep this short for you (kind of like my diet soda standpoint).

There are aluminum-based compounds in many types of antiperspirants that have been speculated to cause cancer.  The mainstreamers will jump in now and say this has not been proven.

This is what I got from the National Cancer Institute site:

“Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer.”

I have two issues with this.

1. Why would you want to plug your sweat ducts?  You’re sweating for a reason.
2. They haven’t definitively proven a causative link to cancer, but they have not disproven it either.

So what do I do?

I sweat. I wear clothes that don’t show sweat (especially when I’m teaching , 18 year-olds would have a field day with the sweaty armpit lady). I use natural deodorants that do not contain aluminum compounds—they don’t keep you dry, they just keep you smelling nicer. I try to eat healthier too because when you eat clean foods, your sweat is not as stinky.

The end!

Another important note: Be wary of “natural” deodorants that have hidden sources of aluminum. For example, crystal deodorants have Potassium Alum, which is a form of aluminum. It’s a better choice than the mainstream antiperspirants, but aluminum is aluminum!

I’ve always been sweaty—and I tell my sweaty clients that sweating more is a good sign of being highly efficient at regulating your body temperature. I used to be slightly embarrassed….like back in the days of gymnastics when I would walk across the mat and leave sweaty chalky footprints. Now, I just own it, and I also try and be as tactful as possible when I’m playing “professional.”

Cheers to being highly efficient!