That’s right. BAKING SODA.

It may sound a little whacky but the powder is highly absorbent and, when the right brand is purchased, it is an “all-natural” approach to not smelling like B.O. (or even worse… Arctic Blast Tundra).

First, we should establish that the body is not meant to smell nor have any sort of odor. The odor humans experience is a detoxification reaction. It is a sign that there is something toxic or “foul” occurring within the body that must be excreted in some fashion.

This brings us to the second point. Skin is one of three body detoxification routes; the other two being the bowels and lungs. The skin is the largest organ of the body, thus making it a prime platform for toxin-release with such a great surface area. Sweat is a function of the skin and it yields two main purposes 1) a cooling-mechanism if the body overheats due to environmental changes, metabolic increase, or infection, and 2) a toxin transport system. The body prefers to release toxins as water-soluble entities; releasing them through urine via the kidneys and sweat via the skin.

Third, the skin absorbs about 60% of any topical application. Look at your commercial deodorant or even your “all-natural” deodorant and take a few moments to comprehend what chemicals are being absorbed directly into your bloodstream. You wouldn’t eat or drink your chemical-laced deodorant, yet people plug up their pours (their detoxification routes, mind-you) with the sh-tuff on a daily basis just so they can, more-or-less, cover up their truth.

Diet and environmental toxins are large factors for deodorant necessity. Rather than tackling life’s detox issues all at once, let’s start with a simple solution towards a less toxic body… baking soda as deodorant (not the pre-made baking soda roll-on’s). Now, not all baking soda’s are created equal as most commercial soda’s contain aluminum and other contaminants. Bob’s Red Mill, however, sells a natural and toxin-free sodium bicarbonate. You can pick up it at your local health store in the baking section and it’ll last fo-eva.

How to: 1) Apply a small amount of the powder to a damp towel to rub under the arms. 2) Apply the powder directly to damp underarms post-shower. 3) Rub some coconut oil as a base layer and then apply the baking soda. The coconut oil provides an anti-bacterial layer, but make sure you don’t glop it on because it won’t absorb into the skin efficiently.

Note: If a rash develops you’re either reactive, you’re using too much, or the environment isn’t conducive – try applying it to dry skin. Consult your doctor before taking on any alternative medical practices. And listen to your body – it always knows best.

If you’d like to discuss this perspective along with other health-related insights, please contact me for a FREE Conversation.

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