Top Tips to Limit Your Exposure to Aluminum and Lead

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In this modern age, there seems to be an increasing list of toxins in the environment that people who are health-conscious need to look out for. Among the most serious of these toxins are heavy metals like aluminum and lead. Although these metals occur naturally in the environment, they are also extremely toxic and can build up in the system. High levels of these metals in the body can lead to liver and kidney damage, neurological problems like Alzheimer’s and other diseases which cause cognitive deficits. It can even lead to the onset of cancer. There are however, steps that everyday people can take to help limit their exposure to these dangerous metals. These steps are outlined below.

Choose Personal Care Products Wisely

Using organic, all-natural personal care products like deodorants, creams, moisturizers and lotions can help reduce exposure to aluminum in particularly, which is a frequently additive to this kind of merchandise. Even when buying these natural products, however, be sure to read the label carefully before purchase to make sure it is aluminum-free. These kinds of products are some of the most common ways in which people are exposed to aluminum.

Avoid Using Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is a very common household product that is probably in every American home and is used to wrap up food or to bake it in the oven. However, particularly when heated, aluminum can leach out of the foil and into the food and can over time build up in various organs like the liver. Consider alternative forms of food storage and preparation. For example, using a covered roast pan to bake or roast meals instead of covering the pan with aluminum foil.

Do Not Use Aluminum Nonstick Cookware

While nonstick cookware may seem like a great thing in the kitchen, it is actually quite dangerous. Not only can aluminum leach into the food that is being prepared, but heating such pans releases dangerous volatile chemicals that are then inhaled and taken into the lungs, where they can cause respiratory damage. Be sure to use iron, glass or porcelain-coated skillets instead.

Avoid Canned Food

The aluminum used to make tin cans is also capable of leaching into the food that is stored inside it. What’s more, BPA is found in most tin cans as a liner and can also leach into the food; it has been associated with neurological problems and cancer and has been banned in many countries as a result. Consider using frozen or pickled foods instead: frozen foods retain all the nutritional value of the fresh product, while fermented foods also provide the body with healthy probiotic bacteria.

Most of these recommendations are not drastic or radical. They largely involved changing purchasing habits and finding alternatives to household and personal care products that reduce the exposure to aluminum and other toxins as well. However, though these changes seem small, they can have a big impact on long-term health.

Sources: drhyman.com, seattleorganicrestaurants.com, atsdr.cdc.gov

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Christine . S
Christine has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.