Your feet have the largest pores on your body. They also contain reflexology points that connect to every organ. This connection can be made by way of pressure (acupressure), or pins (acupuncture) or even by topical application (essential oils), which absorb systemically. This started me to wondering about things we put on our feet and if they are having an effect on our health.
The obvious one that popped into my mind was Odor Eaters. They are made to absorb odors and keep your shoes dry. What’s in them that they are so miraculously able to accomplish this? I didn’t have any idea. Lets take a look:
Tolnaftate – Tolnaftate is a medication that inhibits the growth of certain fungi in your shoes and on your feet. They are present in conditions like Athlete’s foot. By killing this fungus, it helps neutralize foot odor. It can cause skin irritation, rash, itching and swelling (especially of the tongue and throat), severe dizziness and even trouble breathing.
Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) – Used to help absorb moisture. It can also increase thirst and occasionally cause stomach cramps and gas, though this is unlikely with topical absorption.
Isobutane – The CDC states that isobutene can affect you when breathed in or passed through the skin. May cause skin allergy and or pain. It is labeled by the EPA as dangerous for the environment.
SD alcohol 40-B – Helps other ingredients penetrate the skin. It is very dehydrating when left in contact with skin.
Isopropyl myristate – is a solvent that dries the skin and hair, and creates cracks and fissures in the skin, which encourage bacterial growth. Seems like exactly what should not be in these inserts!
Disteardimonium Hectorite – A vegetable-derived suspending agent used to thicken oil-based products and serve as a stabilizer for emulsions. There are no known side effects.
Fragrance – The fragrance industry is not regulated. It is anyone’s guess as to what is used in Odor Eaters or any other fragranced product. It is left completely up to manufacturer discretion. May or may not be hazardous to your health.
So, while yes these inserts may help your shoes smell better, they clearly are not beneficial for your health and they don’t actually do anything to help if it is your feet that smell and not just the materials used in the manufacturing of your shoes. Sketches, for example, are notorious for smelling terrible once they get wet or are worn for a while.
So what are the alternatives?
Go after the source of the stink. Feet are not supposed to smell rank. This is a health issue not necessarily a hygiene issue.
-Drink more good pure water to flush out impurities
-Do a full body detox (will help more than just your feet! BePure Cleanse)
-Use Tea Tree (maleleuca) oil & Oregano oil on your feet. Mix 2 drops of each in a carrier oil such as coconut or safflower and apply to feet daily. You should see a difference quickly. www.healthdrops.us
– Wear cotton socks
– Wear natural material shoes rather than plastic or rubber as they breathe better
– Wear open shoes such as sandals if possible
– Sprinkle inside of shoes with cornflower or talcum powder
– Put sage in your shoes to control odor
– Bathe your feet in a vinegar and water solution 3-4 times weekly
– Mix in lemon and or lime juice as well
– Go barefoot when possible, air is a wonderful healer!
You don’t have to live with embarrassing stinky shoes, nor do you have to absorb toxins into your body to do away with them.
In just a few easy steps, you can put your best foot forward.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18569160
http://www.healthcentral.com/skin-care/r/medications/athlete-foot-tolnaftate-top-153759/side-effects
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0350.html
http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/ISOBUTANE.html
http://www.natracare.com/p119/en-GB/Your-Health/Chemicals-in-body-care/Isopropyl-myristate.aspx
While I publish here I also have my own site, www.SarahBarendse.com. Please visit me there for more in depth articles!
