Last updated on November 7th, 2021 at 02:46 pm
My story begins in about 2015, we had just moved back to the United States after living in Europe for seven years and we were simply trying to find our new rhythm.
My time in Europe exposed me to a lot of natural living hacks, taking time to rest, and being intentional and mindful. It is so easy to fall into these rhythms when you are submerged into a culture where practically everyone practices this way of living.
At the end of our time in Germany, I started to wonder and internally think about if what we put into our bodies seems so important, surely what we put onto our bodies, or even the cleaning products we inhale must also affect our bodies in some way. There was not a lot of information on the topic at the time, and it was not a popular topic either.
That was the starting point for the next layer of the life I wanted for my family and myself. I started to experiment with more natural products – especially deodorant and haircare. Sadly every single one I tried was terrible – I tried, and tried, and spend a lot of money on natural products that simply didn’t work. It all ended up in the trashcan because I simply couldn’t handle it – I was not willing to sacrifice how I smelled or how my armpits (or hair) felt for the sake of being natural.
So I switched back to the antiperspirant deodorant, because I mean who doesn’t use it? I also decided that I will research more later, and find all the relevant information.
Our life was turned upside down with an international move, adjusting to a new environment (where it seems like no one cared about their health), and truth be told – we did not have a great plan – in fact, we had no plan when we made this move – and it backfired – miserably!
In 2015 I started to experience some severe fatigue symptoms, and shortly after I discovered a large lump in my breast. I immediately freaked out, called a friend who has had breast cancer before to ask for steps and advice. I scheduled a doctor’s appointment, was rushed over to radiology straight away – it was confirmed that I had a tumor, but thankfully it was non-cancerous.
I spend months and months in the doctor’s office trying to figure out how to make it go away (at this point it was extremely painful, the size of a golf ball, and on the side of my breast exactly on the spot where my arm would hang and rub against it.) I was so discouraged and frustrated because I had to go for these scans every 8 weeks (hello radiation exposure) and all the doctor gave me was Tylenol for pain, and said to avoid caffeine.
I was not satisfied with my medical experience, and the cold and sterile environment, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began intense research on the effects of skincare (and cleaning supplies) and how they affect overall health – the whole world of environmental toxins opened up before me, and I realized that I had a lot of work to do.
Due to the location of this tumor, I decided that it would be best to start with deodorant (regardless of my previous experience,) I began the search for a natural deodorant that actually works. Enter Primally Pure.
I bought the small version of the lavender deodorant (my favorite these days are geranium and blue tansy) and to my delight (and complete surprise) it actually worked!
Not only did it work beautifully, but I was also living in West Texas where it is pretty hot most of the time, and it still worked through all the hot sweaty weather. I am still amazed to this day at how effective Primally Pure’s deodorant is, and how great I still smell at the end of the day.
After some dietary adjustments, switching my deodorant, and slowly starting to replace beauty, body, and cleaning products for safer and more natural alternatives, my tumor began to shrink. Within 6 months I received a clear scan and a clean bill of health. An even bigger surprise, my husband loves and uses Primally Pure deodorant too, and back then he was way picky.
Why you should consider switching to natural deodorant?
Sweating is good for you
Sweating is one of the body’s most important and natural ways to detoxify and release a lot of toxins from the inside. Using antiperspirant deodorant not only interferes with the body’s natural detoxification properties but also affects the healthy microbiome that lives on the skin.
One of the most surprising things that I have noticed is that once your body regulates, you start to naturally sweat instead of keeping all the toxins inside, you will actually start to sweat (and smell) less.
I would also like to mention, that a few days into this initial switch, your body may begin to release more toxins (this is a good thing) and this might cause you to smell a little bit more, but it will pass quickly – don’t quit.
Avoid the chemical no-no list
Conventional deodorants (and a bunch of other beauty and skincare products) are filled with ingredients that should be a big no-no for hormonal health. These ingredients inhibit hormones and the body from functioning properly. Aluminum is the active ingredient found in most (if not all) antiperspirant deodorants that is extremely toxic, and it has been linked to Alzheimer’s as well as breast cancer.
Parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and fragrances are all endocrine disruptors and can go so far as to mimic the effects of estrogen, causing severe hormonal imbalances.
You absorb your deodorant all day long
The skin is the largest organ and absorbs everything that is put on it – the good, bad, and ugly. It is important to remember that deodorant is something you will wear all day long – even at night if they don’t shower before bed. This simply means that what you are wearing is entering your bloodstream, continuously, and literally all day long. The armpit area contains a large area of lymph nodes, so all these chemicals we apply not only make it into our bloodstream but also into the lymphatic system.
This is so counter-productive as the lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste, and adding more toxins, and clogging up this pumpless system is not going to help at all.
This is the main reason I recommend deodorant being the very first thing to switch out if you are new to all of this.
Think long term
Hormonal imbalances and struggles are real, and a vast majority of people truly struggle and suffer from this issue. Getting into the habit of eliminating toxins from everyday life is such a huge component in helping balance and rejuvenate hormones (and health in general.)
It is very common not to see the reality of all these hormonal struggles until years later (it doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening), and it is even possible for issues to manifest differently from person to person.
This why it is always important to think long-term, what you do now will definitely impact your future, and the future of your children – I love to keep this in mind as I still make changes to our everyday life.
I want to encourage you to take the little step today, and to switch to a safer deodorant! – It is totally worth it.
I love using Primally Pure’s geranium or blue tansy deodorant, and my husband (and son) is sold on the lemongrass and the charcoal version.
I few other things I love from Primally Pure:
♦ clarifying face mask
♦ clarifying face mist
♦ clarifying serum
♦ almond + vanilla body butter
♦ flower bath
♦ dry shampoo {I use the light locks}
Read more: “4 Slightly Alarming Facts About Your Skincare And Beauty Products,” and “8 Toxic Skincare And Beauty Ingredients To Avoid And Why.”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Use code “NURTUREMEWILD” at checkout to save 10% off your entire first order over at Primally Pure!
+ view comments