Aluminum, the Ubiquitous Toxin: Dr. Harlan Sparer describes how this highly reactive element can negatively impact body functions.

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is important to our modern existence. It becomes a nightmare when this highly reactive element enters our body. It finds its way in through cooking implements, foil, vaccines, food coloring, cans, underarm deodorants, non-dairy creamers, cosmetics, baking powder, antacids, buffered aspirin and other medications, both over the counter and prescribed.

The human body can tolerate some aluminum without any ill effects. The amount that is tolerable is always a matter of debate. Regardless of anyone’s opinion, aluminum is never considered a nutrient. It is always considered a toxin. It is highly reactive and is seldom seen in its elemental state. It is difficult to excrete for this reason, making its effects cumulative, and we are inundated with aluminum on a regular basis. While no individual dose is typically harmful, the accumulation and regular frequent exposure leads to problems.

Once the threshold of toleration has been crossed, aluminum begins to affect the body, and the problems all stem from its high reactivity. Aluminum substitutes for iron, calcium and magnesium, altering enzyme and neurological function and eventually robbing the body of these important elements. The resultant oxidative stress causes neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ADD and chronic fatigue, to name a few. Other neurological aberrations can occur, as well.

The digestive system is also affected. Protein digestion is interfered with as aluminum binds to digestive enzymes. This leads to incomplete protein digestion and leaky gut. The immune system is affected as aluminum gets loaded into lymphocytes and macrophages, making them dysfunctional and nonfunctional. This decreases resistance and creates autoimmune diseases.

Aluminum intake can be reduced and removed in several ways. Start by removing aluminum cooking implements. Reduce or stop putting foil in contact with food, particularly after it has been heated. Stop using aluminum canned beverages and food. Keep it out of contact with acid-based foods. Reassess the use of vaccines, which may have toxic amounts of aluminum. Stop using aluminum-based deodorants, even the “natural” variety from health food stores. Check ingredients in food, particularly those containing baking powder. Check over-the-counter and prescribed medication for aluminum. Aluminum Lake is a dye used commonly in many foods and medicines. Check your food, candy and medicine for Aluminum Lake red, blue, yellow and green. If the coloring is artificial chances are high Aluminum Lake is part of it.

Specific food and supplements are helpful, and we can attempt to eliminate aluminum in the body through detoxification, as assisted by a health care professional.

Dr. Harlan Sparer is a DNFT chiropractor practicing in Tempe. He can be reached at 480-245-7894 or [email protected]. For more information, visit TempeNonForce.com or YouTube.com/user/drharlan11.