Detox diets are gaining a lot of attention lately, and for good reason too. They're one of the best ways of protecting your health by helping your body eliminate the build up of toxins, with which we are bombarded every day. Toxins are in the air we breathe and the food and drinks we consume, so a body detox diet program is something we could all benefits from once in a while. Need some proof?
In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration declared that consumers should be informed of the fact that many commercial shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, nail polishes, hand creams, hair dyes and bubble baths have not been safety tested, despite the fact that they commonly contain chemicals that disrupt the hormones, are carcinogenic and disrupt the nervous system. Here are some examples.
Phthalates
These are solvents found in fragrance and nail polish, as well as a substance added to plastics to make them more flexible. They have been linked to liver and thyroid damage, cancer, low sperm counts in men, miscarriages and birth defects. They are not easy to avoid, however, because they will not be listed on the ingredients label.
Parabens
Parabens (methyl, propyi and butyl) have all been linked to breast cancer (which can affect men as well as women, although less commonly) and they can also cause contact skin rashes.
DEA-Related Compounds
Topical application of DEA-related compounds (cocamide, lauramide and myristamide) has been linked to cancer by some experts.
Ceteareth-12
An emulsifier called Ceteareth-12 may contain dangerous levels of carcinogenic ethylene oxide and dioxane.
Antiperspirants
These often contain aluminum salts that prevent the body from sweating. Aluminum build-up in brain cells has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Skin Irritants
Many cosmetic additives can be skin irritants, such as lanolin, glycerol and cetyl alcohol, which are found in a wide range of products.
