Body odors can sometimes make us feel embarrassed and we often try to eliminate them. However, sweating is a normal function of our body. Instead of trying to block it we should just deal with it in a natural way.
Chemical ingredients
Most commercial deodorant and antiperspirant products contain chemical ingredients like aluminum, parabens, triclosan and others. The most concerning risk factor for many of these ingredients—especially aluminum—is long-term exposure. Since these chemicals are included in a product we use every day there is an inevitable accumulation on our body.
To prevent sweating, antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking pores. This interferes with the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and eliminate toxins, two very important functions. It is also believed that once an antiperspirant wears off, the underarm sweat glands increase perspiration production to compensate. This creates a visious, sweaty cycle we need more antiperspirant to fight.
Natural deodorants
Sweating is a normal function of our body. It allows our body to regulate its temperature and also disposes toxins. The problem of body odor isn’t sweat. In fact, fresh perspiration is odorless. However, when our sweat mixes with airborne bacteria then we have this unpleasant smell.
Natural deodorants neutralize body smell by killing odor causing bacteria. Most of them contain antibacterial essential oils that give a very light, pleasant scent. Since they do not interfere with the body’s natural processes, deodorants are the better choice. In addition aluminum free deodorants do not leave stains on clothes, as many typical deodorants will.
Neal’s Yard natural deodorants spray & roll-on
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, what goes into the mother’s body goes into the baby’s body. A woman would not smoke or drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So why risk passing potentially unsafe substances from personal care products to her baby?
Jason natural deodorants roll-on & stick
Choosing a Natural Deodorant
Fortunately more and more natural products are available so finding a safe, natural deodorant that works is possible. There is a variety of product types to choose from like sticks, roll-on and spray. At first, it will not feel as strong as the conventional product but we should remember that a deodorant is not a perfume so we not supposed to smell it after we put it on. In some cases we will need to be patient and give our body a few months to adjust. It is likely to go through a detoxification period where our body may produce more sweat and odor.
During this time it is a good idea to address the other factors that contribute to body odor. A plant based diet will help as meat, especially red and processed meat, is believed to increase body odor. On the contrary increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables will be beneficial in many ways with the exception of those with strong flavor like garlic and spices especially during summer. Also we should never forget to drink a lot of water during the day.
