Hidden Dangers to Your Health; Aluminum

Jun 8, 2011 by Rosemary

What do deodorants, antacids and baked goods have in common?

Aluminum, Earth’s most abundant metal comprising 8% of the earth’s crust has been an industrial blessing. With its lightweight, malleable and corrosion resistant properties, aluminum has been used to make everything from bicycles to cookware, decorations to lamp posts and buildings to food and beverage containers. Aluminum salts added to vaccinations, enhance their effectiveness. Aluminum salts used in the water treatment process help to settle out pollutants. Aluminum compounds are commonly added to deodorants and dandruff shampoos. At a relatively low cost, aluminum products pervade our lives and influence our lifestyles; aluminum foil for the barbeque, over-the-counter chewable antacids for upset stomach relief and baking powder ensures our culinary success. However, at a much higher cost, what is aluminum doing to our health?

Aluminum is not known to support life nor is it used by any form of life on earth as a nutrient. In fact, studies show that brain plaque in Alzheimer patients show a high concentration of aluminum. Though the connection between aluminum toxicity and Alzheimer’s remains unclear animal studies show that trace amounts of aluminum applied to brain tissue resulted in seizures. Cats fed aluminum became slow learners at experimental tasks.

How does aluminum get into the body? The human body readily absorbs certain aluminum compounds. Acidic foods and flavor enhancers, maltol and ethyl maltol, bind with the aluminum containers in which they are packaged. The resulting contaminant leaches into the food or beverage you consume. Though the aluminum salts in deodorant are intended to block pores (reducing perspiration) aluminum applied to the skin in cosmetics, lotions and deodorant can easily be absorbed through the skin.

Most aluminum toxicity is associated with impaired renal function. When kidneys fail to function normally, aluminum accumulates in the blood. Since aluminum competes with calcium in bones, there is an association of osteomalacia or softening of bones with aluminum toxicity. Excess aluminum may be deposited in various tissues, including bone, brain, liver, heart, spleen, and muscle. The result may be oxidative stress on brain tissue, anemia, suppressing of the immune system, eventually causing disease or death.

Prevalent in air and dust, water and man-made products, aluminum is hard to avoid. However, studies show that the value of good nutrition seems to stave off the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular and renal disease, as well as slow signs of aging. Eat foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fish oils, vitamins C and E, fruits, vegetables and olive oil as part of a nutritious diet to help repair oxidative damage from heavy metals such as aluminum. In addition, become aware of your body burden of toxicity. Actively remove heavy metals through safe oral chelation.

Zeolite; the safe oral chelator

The safest and most effective oral chelator is a form of zeolite called clinoptilolite. Naturally formed when volcanic lava and ash meet sea water, zeolite’s negative charge immediately begins to absorb positively charged heavy metals around it. Zeolite is Nature’s Detoxifier. The complex crystalline structure of clinoptilolite acts like a cage to trap toxins. For humans who consume a purified and micronized form of clinoptilolite, the result can be transformational.

Though the dangers of aluminum toxicity may be hidden, empowerment through knowledge can make the difference. Follow natural solutions for vital health, remove toxins, eat nutritious foods and share this information with a friend. Read more solutions for aluminum toxicity