Is aluminum dangerous for your health? Read on.
Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on the planet, and it’s found in many of the items you have in your home. You can find it in aluminum foil, flatware, canned food items, metal water bottles, cookware, and even in antacids. You’ll find that some salt additives contain aluminum, along with some foods where you’d never expect to find it: pickles, processed cheese, self-rising flours, and pancake mixes.
Unfortunately, aluminum could be a health risk!
Studies have proven that exposure to high levels of the metal can lead to neurological problems, developmental disorders, and even damage to the central nervous system. There was even a belief that it could be linked to Alzheimer’s, though the results of studies have yet to conclusively prove that it is the case.
Regardless, it is known that high levels of aluminum can lead to health problems. Once the metal is ingested, it tends to build up in the body tissues. High levels of aluminum in the body tissues can lead to the problems mentioned above, and it may even lead to a weakening of the bones thanks to the fact that the metal leeches calcium from the body.
You’d be amazed at all of the ways you can be exposed to aluminum:
- When you eat canned foods, it’s likely that the aluminum of the cans has leeched into the foods. Cooking canned ingredients just makes the aluminum poisoning worse.
- There is some aluminum in drinking water, particularly in the water from the tap.
- Some baked goods contain a special type of baking powder that is made with alum.
- If you use aluminum cookware (pans, pots, baking trays), exposure to high heat can cause the metals to leech into the foods. Exposure to acidity can also cause aluminum leeching, which is one reason most canned foods use sweet syrup as preservatives.
- Vaccines and certain OTC medications contain aluminum.
- Deodorants, anti-perspirants, and other topical products can contain the metal.
- Some artificial coloring agents are known to contain aluminum.
READ MORE: Glycophosphate is Dangerous
There are a lot of ways you can be exposed to the metal, and aside from the health risks above, there are a number of potential threats to your wellbeing:
- Aluminum can oxidize cells in your body, leading to oxidative stress, aging, and DNA damage.
- The aluminum in anti-perspirants stop your body from sweating, leading to hormone buildup–a known threat for breast cancer.
- The metal tends to build up in organ tissue, brain tissue, and bone, leading to serious health problems.
- The metal robs your body of calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- It has been known to cause granulomas to form.
- It is highly toxic to your skin, and it can cause oxidative stress of your skin cells.
How to Avoid Aluminum
If you’re serious about avoiding this health risk, the good news is that it’s not as hard as you think.
- Get rid of any cookware that could contain aluminum. You’ll find that most aluminum cookware is fairly lightweight, so it’s better to opt for cast-iron frying pans and stainless steel cookware. Glass baking dishes are also a much better option.
- Use glass contains and Tupperware to store leftovers, rather than using tin foil.
- Always buy drinks in bottles rather than in cans.
- Avoid metal water bottles or canteens, as they are often made with aluminum.
- Avoid anti-perspirants and deodarants that contain aluminum.
- Try to make your own cakes and pancakes from scratch, and avoid using any self-rising flours or pancake mixes.
Be safe and avoid aluminum at home!
