Aluminum pervades our natural environment, making it practically impossible to avoid this element completely. Not only is it present in our water, soil, and food, but many of our cooking appliances and food packaging also contain aluminum. Conventional antiperspirants and antacids, products used by millions of people every day, contain aluminum. This metal has been linked to a number of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, and some research has even linked it to cancer. As aluminum has become increasingly prevalent in our industrial civilization over the past 150 years, the accumulation of the element in the human body has risen proportionally.
The Health Effects of Aluminum
[amazon asin=B001CI8NZI&template=*lrc ad (left)]The light weight of aluminum makes it a desirable metal for a number of industrial products, and its high rate of reactivity also makes it ideal for many prescription pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications. Many do not realize that aluminum is also an active ingredient in vaccines. Research is beginning to show a number of negative health effects associated with aluminum, many of which are growing problems in today’s society.
Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum are two hot topics in medical research, with studies showing a direct link between brain content of aluminum and incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia. Patients who have Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to have higher levels of aluminum deposits in their brain than those without the disease, causing a great deal of concern in regards to aluminum overexposure. [1] [2]
In addition to possibly raising dementia risk, aluminum appears to increase a gene similar to estrogen that is often seen in breast [amazon asin=B00GN8DW1M&template=*lrc ad (right)]cancer cells. [3] For this reason, some scientists warn women against using antiperspirants or other body care products that contain aluminum. Furthermore, aluminum shows a minor impact on the immune system, hindering its ability to fight off diseased cells. [4] [5]
Ways We Can Detoxify Aluminum From Our Bodies
Before detoxing from aluminum, steps should be taken to drastically reduce exposure to this metallic compound. Here are some ways you can eliminate common sources of aluminum:
Purchase Whole Foods
Aluminum cans and processed food packaging usually contain varying levels of aluminum. Make the majority of your diet whole fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. While there is not enough research to suggest that food contributes a great deal to aluminum exposure, it is always wise to consider every avenue when seeking to avoid this potentially-toxic element.
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