Aluminum
Found in underarm deodorants, certain cookware, and foil, aluminum occurs in the earth and naturally in foods, but excessive amounts can be a problem. Heating acidic foods, such as tomato sauces, in aluminum cookware or foil can allow high amounts of aluminum to get into your food. Aluminum is also an ingredient in antacids, baking powders, and salt.
Key uses of aluminum:
- Linked to Alzheimer's disease and other senile dementia, aluminum deposits have been found in the brains of people suffering from these mental disorders. It may be that certain forms of aluminum cause more problems. Natural aluminum, in the 40-50 mg you may ingest daily in food, may not be a culprit. The aluminum additives in salt and baking powders, and through the skin from deodorants, may lodge in body tissues and potentially cause some problems in the brain and with certain enzymes.
- Besides the mental problems from aluminum, toxicity may cause skin rashes, intestinal upset, and harm the bones and kidneys.
How to avoid aluminum toxicity: The best way to prevent aluminum toxicity is to avoid regular exposure to aluminum-containing products, such as antiperspirants, antacids, and cooking in aluminum foil and cookware.
