The link between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer’s disease has definitively confirmed what has long been suspected.
New research from Keele University in the UK affirms that long-term aluminum exposure is directly related to neurotoxicity and Alzheimer’s disease. Worse yet, recent research also confirms that our exposure to aluminum is greater than previously thought, especially due to inhalation of aluminum vapors.
We’re exposed to aluminum everywhere– in the discharge from coal-fired power plants and from the aluminum sulfate that is added to municipal drinking water and even as a natural component of soil. Since we really can’t control what we breathe, and unless you’re fortunate enough to have well water you can’t much control your drinking water, we need to look for other ways to minimize aluminum exposure and to prevent reaching a tipping point of aluminum buildup in our brains.
And then there is aluminum added to all sorts of consumer goods, including baking powder, which is found is most commercially baked goods.
Probably the most obvious source of aluminum in our daily lives is in aluminum foil, a standard in most homes where outdoor grilling is standard summer fare. So–this is an easy one—don’t use aluminum foil to wrap your potatoes, veggies or whatever else you’re throwing on the grill.
Less known, but equally deadly is the aluminum chlorhydrate in almost all antiperspirant deodorants. I got a shock this morning while researching this article when I learned that even my alum deodorant crystals contain aluminum, despite manufacturers’ claims to the contrary and their assurances that alum particles are too large to be absorbed. DANG! I’ve been using them for years.
So what can we do to avoid aluminum?
Stop breathing. I wouldn’t recommend it. The consequences are permanent. <grin>
Stop drinking municipal water. That’s nearly impossible for many us, but if you can get spring water for drinking that would be a good start. There are many reasons to avoid municipal drinking water and this is just one.
Stop using antiperspirant deodorants including crystals. A paste of baking soda and water is quite effective for some people. Heavy sweaters, like me, may need something stronger. I’m going to try one of the Milk of Magnesia-based deodorants on the market that state they contain no forms of aluminum at all.
If you have any old cookware, storage or drink containers that have aluminum, pitch them out. I am not a fan of putting stuff into landfills, as you all know, but in this case, please don’t send them to the thrift store where some unsuspecting soul may buy them cheaply.
Don’t use commercial baked goods. Again, there are many reasons for this, but aluminum exposure through baking powder is one. Coffee creamers and some baby formulas (!), including organic ones LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3851493/) fall into this category. Bake your own baked goods or forego them entirely. It’s probably better for your health in the long run.
Don’t drink out of aluminum cans. Yes, I am talking to you beer drinkers and those of you who still drink soft drinks. Sorry. The acidity in beer and soft drinks interacts with the aluminum in cans and worsens your exposure.
Watch out for sunscreens, shampoos and other personal care products that may contain aluminum by any number of names, apparently all with “aluminum” as part of them. Ditto for household cleaners that have aluminum oxide.
It seems like every time I turn on my laptop, I see more horror stories of nearly universal exposure to toxins. I’m tempted to say, “Don’t sweat it,” but that would be pretty tacky, wouldn’t it? Don’t stress over what you can’t control and just do the best you can to minimize your exposure to aluminum.
Note from Kathleen: Earlier this week, I posted an article on aluminum toxicity from Dr. Joseph Mercola and it generated some discussion and thoughts I’d like to expand upon here. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter if you don’t already. 
