Your tampons (and other feminine products) are toxic to your lady parts and body.
This ones for all the ladies out there ;-) Are Your tampons (and other feminine products) toxic to your lady part and body? Yep. Probably.
This subject is often one of the most often overlooked areas of health for many women, yet possibly one of the most important and easiest to improve. IF….. You know what to look for and why.
We are talking about feminine hygiene products. So guys, if this subject makes you a little squeamish or uncomfortable then you should at least forward this blog and the rest of this video onto your female significant other so that they can be aware of the risks.
Sadly, millions of women and girls absorb high levels of toxins every month thanks to lax manufacturing standards of tampons and sanitary pads. These products are loaded with highly absorbable industrial contaminants — the body takes in more toxins through the vaginal wall than through ingestion.
Part of the problem is that manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in tampons and sanitary napkins. However, the main material used in these products, cotton, is a crop notorious for genetic engineering and HEAVY use of pesticides.
Feminine hygiene products also contain synthetic fragrances, bleaches, foams, gels, anti-bacterial agents, and surfactants all in an effort to improve the marketability and profitability of their companies.
Although the FDA offers recommendations, there are no regulations manufacturers are required to follow regarding the use of toxic chemicals in these products. So buyer beware!
So Why are toxins in tampons more dangerous than other routes of exposure?
Lack of regulation and oversight means anything goes in manufacturing of feminine hygiene products, including the use of cancer-causing chemicals.
Vaginal tissue is far more permeable than other areas of the body. In fact, it’s so good at absorption that drug companies are looking at ways to deliver drugs vaginally as a way to bypass metabolization. It’s very similar if not the same as using a suppository.
Because compounds absorbed vaginally do not pass through the liver first, which is responsible for detoxification, this also means they go into the bloodstream in much higher concentrations than if they were ingested and they don’t go through the first pass detoxification of the liver.
Additionally, the thin ridges of the vaginal wall not only provide more surface area to enhance absorption, they also can retain chemicals.
In addition, even conventional sanitary pads contain a myriad of toxic chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers that sit against the permeable skin of the vulva for days every month. Not a good thing. This is a delicate area and should be treated as such.
Toxic chemicals in feminine products
Sadly, most feminine hygiene products are loaded with toxins. This includes not only tampons and pads, but also feminine wipes, washes, douches, sprays, and creams.
Some of the many chemicals they can include are dioxins (often considered the most toxic and abundant toxin in our environment). They also often contain other bleaching chemicals, pesticide residues, anti-bacterials, unknown fragrances, dyes, spermicides, phthalates, and surfactants (also used in detergents).
Studies show the chemicals used in feminine hygiene products have been linked to cancer, hormone imbalances, reproductive harm, allergic rashes, and asthma.
Douches in particular have been linked to numerous reproductive and health disorders and should be avoided.
Safe alternatives in feminine products
Fortunately, natural alternatives exist, although they are dwarfed in number by the brands with toxins (look online for more options). Go for chemical-free pads and tampons, or consider the menstrual cup or even cloth pads. Click on the links to view the recommendations.
For other feminine products such as wipes, washes, sprays, and douches, remember that the body is innately intelligent and functions best with the right support.
Support your vaginal health by minimizing sugars and starchy carbs to prevent the yeast and bacterial infections that drive women to these products.
Taking probiotics can also support vaginal health, and these days you can buy
brands geared specifically toward feminine health.
One special recommendation that I would like to make, or more of a recommendation from me on behalf of my wife is called the Hesta Women's Organic Cotton Menstrual Sanitary Protective Panties Underwear. It is basically a Sanitary napkin (aka panty liner) built into a pair of reportedly super comfy pair of underwear.
My wife picked these up a few years ago and loves them. There is still probably not a month that goes by that she doesn’t ask me “Don’t you just love my new underwear”. I think she likes them, A LOT! So check them out.
Also, in addition to eating a whole foods diet, rule out a sensitivity to gluten, dairy, or other foods — many women have found food sensitivities causes vaginal itching and inflammation.
I’m Dr. Craig Mortensen
Be healthy, be happy
