Let ‘Em See You Sweat

Remember that old 80’s commercial for Sure antiperspirant? “Never Let ’em see you sweat”.  Well, I’m here to disagree with them.  In reality, it is not only unnatural to suppress your sweat glands, it is unhealthy. And the perspiration is not necessarily the problem, it’s the stink! Sure, no one likes to see pit puddles however, it’s a small price to pay for your health and well being.  There are plenty of ways to keep the stench away while not clogging up your sweat glands so they don’t leak.

Conventional antiperspirants contain aluminum, not to mention a whole host of toxic chemicals that over time reek havoc on your body. They work by blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminum salts so that they can’t release sweat. All the while, these metals are accumulating in your brain after having been absorbed into your system. Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Deodorants are preferable because they don’t interfere with sweating, a natural cooling process. Although, even conventional deodorants contain a wide array of should avoid substances including hormone disrupters, petrochemicals, lung irritants, and other suspect ingredients. These are not only potentially harmful to the adults, but also to teenagers who are still developing, babies in utero, breastfeeding babies (internally and externally — they’re often leaning skin-on-skin up near your armpits) and even to the waterways and aquatic life where traces of these chemicals wind up after we shower.

Luckily, there are a bunch of great brands sprouting up. Depending on your personal needs, there are all sorts of organic, natural stink free sticks for everyone from the dainty gal who wants to smell like flowers to the power athlete who wants zero fragrance but all the protection.  Also, your body chemistry and diet have quite a bit to do with your “odor” so while one brand may work for you, it may not work for someone else.  Finding the right deodorant for you may take a bit of trial and error but ultimately, it’s to your mega benefit.  Here are a few I like to recommend:

• The Crystal – The ultimate in natural care. They have now come out with a roll on that is less “hippie” then the original crystal
• Burt’s Bees – I really like their herbal spray. It’s refreshing and smells great for a long time!
• Terra Naturals – A nice variety of sticks for all sorts of folks
• Aubrey Organics – Nice stuff and a good price
• Tom’s of Maine – Can be found virtually anywhere. I have found some of their scents to be irritating so I go for their unscented when I can’t find other brands.
• Alba – Enzyme based protection
• Kiss My Face – A large variety of sticks and roll ons in many scents
• Jason – Another good line that can be found pretty much anywhere

Outside of switching to natural deodorants, you may want to keep an eye on your diet.  Journals are a great way to keep track of the way certain foods make you feel as well as to give you a visual sense of the amount of food you are consuming. In addition, you may be able to tie specific foods to your stinkier days!  Your digestive tract expels toxins in various ways, one being through your sweat glands. By keeping track of your meals, you may be able to pinpoint foods that don’t agree with your tummy or your armpits ; )

In the case that you are a bit more ambitious and looking for more of a green, affordable approach, heck out this homemade deodorant recipe:

5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder. Then slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon until it maintains the substance you desire. It should be about the same texture as the store bought kind, solid but able to be applied easily. You can either scoop this into your old dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. After applying the product, you can just rub the remains into your hands as a lotion! This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.

Smell ya later!!!