Have you ever wondered why, after ditching your regular antiperspirant for a natural deodorant, you start to smell a bit… off? It’s a common question: “Why do I smell bad when transitioning to natural deodorant?”. Some patients give up thinking that natural deodorant just won’t work for them, but they maybe have not waited the entire expected transition period, or have not tried to address the root of the problem.
Here’s the scoop: Aluminum in antiperspirants blocks your sweat ducts to stop you from sweating. While that might seem great, sweating is actually important for your body. It helps keep your body cool and gets rid of toxins. Naturopathic medicine considers circulation as one of the key foundations of health, and this doesn’t just refer to blood in circulation, it refers to lymphatic circulation as well.
When you say goodbye to your antiperspirant, your body begins to sweat again, allowing the lymphatic system to more fully do its job, which can lead to some temporary stinkyness. But don’t stress! This smelly phase won’t last long, and it’s a sign that your body is getting back to its natural rhythm.
So, what’s really going on? By switching to natural deodorant, you’re letting go of the aluminum that clogs your pores. Your body starts to push out all the waste that was trapped inside. During this time, it might feel like the natural deodorant isn’t doing its job, but your body is just doing what it’s meant to do—detox!
While your body is busy getting rid of aluminum and other waste, you might notice some extra body odor (B.O.). This is completely normal. Most people who stick with it for a few weeks will find that natural deodorants can be just as effective as antiperspirants—and they’re way better for you! However, if you’ve been blocking these sweat glands for years and years, you may need a longer transition and detox period.
After the detox period, you’ll likely sweat less and smell fresher since your body has adjusted.
Want to make the switch smoother? Try these healthy naturopathic tips:
- Detox Mask: A clay detox mask can help clear out impurities faster. Use it daily in the desired area while you’re adjusting.
- Get your sweat on (on purpose) : Working up a sweat through exercise or sauna therapy can help you sweat out more of the bad, and helps to clear out what is smelling bad, faster.
- Lymphatic drainage: Dry brushing techniques and manual lymphatic drainage can help mobilize the toxic waste and encourage it leaving the body.
- Hot Baths: They open your pores and encourage more sweating, helping to speed up the detox process.
- Natural Antibacterial Soap: Using this kind of soap using antimicrobial ingredients like essential oils can help fight off the extra bacteria that cause bad smells during the detox phase.
Remember, a little patience goes a long way. Soon, you’ll enjoy the non-toxic benefits of natural deodorant without any of the stink! Want to know more about the importance of switching and what are healthy brands to try? See our guide here for more resources.
Our licensed naturopathic medical doctor (NMD) and certified functional medicine physician offers comprehensive naturopathic health consultations in Meridian / Boise, Idaho. Free discovery calls are available!
