Monday, November 24, 2008

Taste for Life

Taste for Life is a product review company, that allows you to test products and post your opinions of them, or search through existing opinions to get the scoop on items before you buy. From their webpage:

  • Receive free samples of products from leading manufacturers of health and wellness products
  • Have your input and feedback taken seriously by companies and brands
  • Share your honest opinions in an open forum with people just like you


  • Right now they are sending out free samples of Herbal Clear Outdoor Whole Body Deodorant. It's all natural and works in the ways that deodorants should, without scary chemicals or blocking your body's sweat release, which is actually vital:

    Underarm antiperspirants don’t make you stop sweating: They work by closing sweat ducts so the perspiration can’t escape. It also means that toxins can’t escape—and how this toxin trapping impacts your health long-term hasn’t been thoroughly studied. What has received some attention are some ingredients used in antiperspirant products.

    Most antiperspirants contain some type of aluminum-based compound, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum hydroxybromide. Aluminum is under scrutiny for a possible link to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although a 2002 review of studies determined that the connection between aluminum and AD was inconclusive, it also recommended limiting exposure to aluminum as much as possible, because danger from this metal couldn’t be ruled out. A more recent study indicated that chronic exposure to aluminum might promote the development of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Daily application of an antiperspirant would certainly qualify as chronic exposure!

    An association between antiperspirant use and breast cancer has also been suggested, with the rationale that trapping toxins could lead to cancer. While many cancer experts dismiss this theory as an Internet hoax, new studies might reopen the antiperspirant/cancer debate—but from a different perspective. A 2005 study found that aluminum chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate act as metallo-estrogens, a term used for metals that interfere with healthy estrogen function. Results of the study demonstrated that these forms of aluminum hamper the function of estrogen receptors associated with certain breast cancer cells. The scientists called for more research.

    Aluminum isn’t the only concern when it comes to cancer, though. Studies also show a link between certain preservatives called parabens and some forms of breast cancer. Parabens influence cells in a manner similar to natural estrogen—and they may also be linked to estrogen-dependent breast cancers. The extent of parabens’ impact via underarm products is unknown.

    Rather than plugging your pores with antiperspirant, stay fresh with a natural deodorant. These products allow your body to perspire but use natural ingredients to kill odor-causing bacteria. Some natural alternatives use antibacterial hops, lichen, lavender, or tea tree oil to stop odor in its tracks. Natural products may also include baking soda for absorbency.

    Also try a deodorant crystal. Ted Alflen of Naturally Fresh explains that deodorant crystals are made of natural mineral salts that kill odor-causing bacteria. Simply wet the crystal and apply to the underarm (or foot) area, leaving an invisible protective barrier against odor-causing bacteria on your skin for up to 24 hours. Because they are hypoallergenic, deodorant crystals are perfect for those with sensitive skin.

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