ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Fragrance Hazards: More than skin deep — Part I

We all want to smell clean and look nice, especially when dressed for a special occasion. However, the fragrances we choose could be hazardous to our health! What?! On a regular basis, we don fragrances in many ways: perfumes, lotions, shampoos, body washes, etc. These are just a few. But, these add up. Accumulative toxins from fragrances could be a key, or at least a puzzle piece, to some of your health issues. Chemical sensitivities in general, are a growing concern, but sometimes what we put on our bodies are the first, most direct source of allergies or sensitivities that we become aware of (think how you feel going through the perfume section of a department store, or walking down the cleaning aisle or pest control isle of a grocery store or hardware store).  

Fragrance intolerance or allergy can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity depending on the individual's sensitivity and the type of exposure. Some of the common symptoms include skin disorders (contact dermatitis, eczema, blisters, burning or stinging sensation, rash or hives), respiratory symptoms (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, or inability to pull in a deep breath), eye symptoms (redness and irritation, watery eyes, itchiness or swelling), headaches, migraines, dizziness, nausea, fatigue or brain fog. There are other symptoms as well, but these are the most common.

So, what are the hazards of fragrances? In addition to the symptoms above, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, cancer risk, phototoxicity, immune system impairment, toxic build-up and exacerbation of hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis, and hormone-sensitive cancers (i.e. breast cancer). 

Endocrine disruption is a serious matter. Endocrine disruptors, also known as hormone disruptors, are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and regulating hormones. Hormones are like messengers that travel through your bloodstream, helping to control vital processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. 

When hormone disruptors enter the body, they can mimic, block, or alter the normal functioning of hormones, leading to a variety of health problems. These can include developmental issues, reproductive disorders, thyroid problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. 

The concern with hormone disruptors is that even small amounts can have significant effects, especially during critical periods of development, such as pregnancy and childhood. That’s why many experts advise being cautious with products that may contain these chemicals and opting for safer, natural alternatives when possible. 

In Part II we will discuss more about these disruptors, and also how these chemicals affect our brain and reproductive systems, and what we can do to protect ourselves and others. Since so many people are sensitive to chemicals, out of respect for them, if not for ourselves, I advise people to reduce as much as possible the chemicals they wear on their bodies.  

Want to hear more from Holly Carling? Check out our podcast. Search for VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast listening app or go to vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/.

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Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over four decades of experience. Carling is a “Health Detective.” She looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place.

Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles.

Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.