Is it safe for you to have it in your home? Here's what you need to know.
What Is It?
Aluminum is the third most common element found in nature and it makes up 8 percent of the earth’s crust. It has no essential role in living systems. Although found in nature, recent research shows that aluminum is toxic at certain amounts. Scientists just can’t agree on what that amount is.
Where Can You Find It?
We all have some aluminum exposure daily. In the home it can be found in cooking equipment; foil; food; food and drink packaging such as cans, cartons and juice pouches; baking powder; water; antiperspirants and other cosmetic; and drugs such as antacids and aspirin. It can leach into food via aluminum cookware, foil, utensils and packaging.
What’s Wrong With It?
Although our grandmothers often cooked with aluminum cookware, studies suggest that aluminum exposure may be linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological problems. It’s now widely accepted that aluminum can be deposited in the brain, there it can have toxic effects. There’s also research that it may be involved in breast cancer.
What Can You Do About It?
Single, low level exposures to aluminum, such as eating food cooked in foil or using aluminum containing antiperspirants are unlikely to damage your overall health. However, the cumulative effect of repeated small exposures from multiple sources are cause for concern. It makes sense to limit your exposure as much as possible.
How Can You Limit Your Exposure?
Don’t cook with aluminum pots, pans or foil.
Check your medicine labels and ask your doctor when in doubt.
Limit processed food.
Don’t store your food in foil containers or wrap.
Choose aluminum-free cosmetics.
Aluminum can negatively affect more than 200 important biological reactions. Do yourself a favor and limit your daily exposure. Ace Your Health “You’re Worth It!”
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