Tampons and sanitary pads touch a part of the skin that’s particularly thin and transparent. Whatever is in these products can easily end up in the bloodstream.
But it’s really important for women who use tampons or sanitary pads every month. Over a lifetime, a woman can use over 24,000 of these products. And she uses them in the most delicate and vulnerable areas of her body.
So what’s in them? We don’t really know. Tampons and sanitary pads are considered “medical devices.” That means the manufacturers are off the hook when it comes to telling you what’s in them. But we do know that the major brands are full of plastics and chemicals. Here are just a few substances they can contain:
- BPA and BPS.These chemical estrogens are known to disrupt hormones. They’ve also been linked to heart disease and cancer.
- Phthalates.This is another type of hormone disruptor. Animal studies show one phthalate known as DEHP can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. In 2000, the CDC discovered high levels of phthalates in all 289 adult Americans tested. And the levels of DEHP in women of childbearing age exceeded the levels set by the government to protect against birth defects.
- Synthetic Fragrances.Conventional sanitary pads contain a variety of odor neutralizers and fragrances. Unfortunately, 98% of fragrances are petroleum-based synthetic compounds. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness, and infertility.
- Pesticides and GMOs. Some tampons and pads contain cotton, one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. And according to the USDA, 94% of U.S. cotton is genetically engineered. Just as eating GMO crops exposes you to risks, so does inserting GMO organisms into the vagina.
- Dioxins. Fibers in tampons and pads are bleached with chlorine to give them a “clean” white appearance. But bleaching produces hazardous by products like dioxin. Studies show dioxin collects in your fatty tissues. According to the Environmental Protection Agency there is no “safe” level of dioxin. Even trace amounts are linked to abnormal cell and tissue growth, hormone disruption, and immune system suppression.
Protect Yourself Against Toxic Feminine Hygiene Products
It’s important to detoxify your body from all those harmful chemicals. You can do that at home using modified citrus pectin (MCP). Pectin is a substance found in the pith of citrus fruit. A recent breakthrough allowed scientists to reduce the size of pectin molecules so they can enter the bloodstream. Studies show MCP can safely remove heavy metals and environmental toxins from the body. I’ve taken it myself to detox from lead. You can get this product from our clinic.
You can also purge your body of these chemicals by working up a sweat. Perspiration helps eliminate waste, pollutants and toxins that may have collected in your tissues. Try regular saunas if you can. They’re the fastest natural method of detox to remove toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
But the best thing you can do right away is make sure your tampons and sanitary pads are safe. Look for 100% organic cotton products.
Be well
Dr Sundardas D. Annamalay