Deodorant

Photo by Lusi via freeimages.com

I decided to try to live a healthier lifestyle and use less chemicals. After making the decision to be more natural in my skin and hair care regimens, I considered anti-perspirants and deodorants.

Back in September of last year, I decided to go a week without anti-perspirant. I decided to try this after reading about how antiperspirants clog your pores, preventing your body ridding itself of toxins. Then I read some other articles saying they cause cancer. Then there is the debate about the aluminum in antiperspirant being absorbed into the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's. Well I don't know if the cancer causing element is true or not. It seems there may not be enough evidence to support either argument. You can read this article for more info: Aluminum in Deodorant

I can tell you that I need antiperspirant. I can't stand being moist. I don't want my shirts getting sweat stains, and most importantly I don't want to stink. I've tried some natural deodorants, some left me less than impressed. The crystal deodorant I tried was okay. It was better than going without, but I wouldn't wear it with a fitted shirt at work and raise my arm, if you know what I mean.

The one that I did use and was happy with was Arm & Hammer's Essentials natural deodorant. It is aluminum free and Paraben free. It has baking soda and natural plant extracts. It does contain Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, and something called Tetrasodium EDTA. Which I didn't know what they were, only that it didn't sound natural. So I looked them up. I encourage everyone to look things up if they don't know what they are. Look at a few, reputable, sources to help you get a good idea. In my next blog I will talk about these items and what I learned.
If you're feeling adventurous here is a website with a recipe for homemade deodorant: http://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/

About Me

I've been blogging for several years on various topics, mostly beauty and health related topics. I'm a mother of two young boys, a writer, and I've been a 911 operator/public safety dispatcher.  I'm now trying to age gracefully and coming to terms with the fact I'm not 25 anymore.

As a teen I wanted to be "beautiful" and glamorous like the women in the magazines. I read every book on beauty, make-up, and hair that the local library had. It took me a few years, but I finally realized that real beauty starts on the inside. Being well groomed is important, but even more so is what is on the inside of a person.

I like make-up and girlie stuff. I've tried to live a "green" lifestyle and avoid artificial ingredients as much as possible. However, I must admit that my bank account rules most of the time, and sometimes the less expensive products win.  but I've made the move to try to be as free of artificial ingredients as possible.  Affordability is really important to me.

Lately I've been turning to less glamorous household duties like trying to figure out how to get rid of fruit flies and how to unclog a drain without harsh chemicals. I'm trying to give up chemicals in my daily routine in both cosmetics and for household cleaning. I love baking soda, vinegar, and borax. They are so versatile!

I'm learning how to feed a family nutritious and wholesome meals on a budget. For years I was hooked on pre-prepared frozen meals, the grocery store deli, and fast food. I also was tired, suffered depression, and generally felt bad. Last year I visited a naturopathic doctor and decided to change my eating habits. What a person eats really does affect how a person feels. The experience was difficult for me because I've never liked cooking.



Questions or comments? feel free to e-mail me at lamongelolane@comcast.net

My new favorite shampoo

I'm totally in love with Avalon Organics peppermint shampoo. It smells really great, but more importantly it gives my hair body. It makes my hair feel clean without harsh chemicals. According to the label it "Invigorates scalp circulation and gently cleanses as Babassu Oil restores strength and elasticity for revitalized hair." There are no lauryl or laureth sulfates and no parabens. I had been using Avalon Organics Rosemary shampoo, which I like too. The smell of rosemary is more earthy. The rosemary shampoo is supposed to build body and strengthen hair, which it does quite well.I decided to search for more natural hair care products. As I'm getting older, and after having 2 children my hair is changing. It seems to be getting thinner and has less volume. I was also alarmed at the quantity of hair left in the tub after showering. I decided to shun chemicals. Now I find less hair falling out & my bathtub drain is happier.So far I'm impressed with Avalon Organics shampoo. I look forward to trying more items that they offer.

White Chicken Chili

I tried this recipe recently & it was awesome. I really loved it! I just thought I would share. I also added some finely chopped carrots to give it some more color.

http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/white-chicken-chili-super-supper.html