While some athletes like Nick “Nicky Rod” Rodriguez are making headlines for eschewing deodorant due to concerns about chemical absorption, scientific research points to a more evidence-based approach for removing harmful substances from the body.
Nick “Nicky Rod” Rodriguez, a rising star in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has made headlines not only for his success on the mat but also for his decision to stop using deodorant. At 28 years old, Rodriguez has adopted a more natural approach to personal hygiene, citing concerns about chemicals in deodorants potentially disrupting hormones.
Rodriguez’ concern was sparked by a JRE episode featuring Shanna Swan, PHD. Dr. Shanna Swan, an expert in endocrine disruptors, she has raised concerns about the chemicals in some workout wear, particularly rashguards, which may be exposing wearers to harmful substances. Dr. Swan warned that the combination of sweat and heat during exercise could facilitate the absorption of chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to health issues such as cardiovascular disease and infertility. In May 2023, the Centers for Environmental Health (CEH) found BPA levels in activewear brands like Nike and Patagonia that exceeded legal limits. Dr. Swan also cautioned about microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in synthetic fabrics, suggesting that these materials, when exposed to heat, can release harmful substances. She advises consumers to avoid products with fragrances, plastic food storage containers, and non-stick cookware, and to opt for organic produce and BPA-free materials. Ultimately, Dr. Swan stresses the importance of being mindful of product choices to reduce exposure to these chemicals and protect overall health.
Rodriguez’ choice has sparked mixed reactions, with some of his podcast co-hosts describing the atmosphere as “foul” during a recent episode. Although studies suggest stuff like parabens and phthalates in deodorants may impact testosterone, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Now a groundbreaking clinical trial in Australia has revealed that regular plasma and blood donations can significantly reduce levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) – common chemicals found in everything from cosmetics to food packaging and household products.
The 52-week study, involving 285 firefighters, demonstrated that plasma donation was particularly effective, reducing mean serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels by 2.9 ng/mL compared to a 1.1 ng/mL reduction with blood donation.
“We found that plasma donations resulted in a more substantial decrease in serum PFAS levels than blood donations, and both treatments were more effective than observation alone,” explains the research team. The greater effectiveness of plasma donation may be attributed to the fact that participants could donate every six weeks rather than every twelve weeks for whole blood.
Each plasma donation amounts to approximately 800 mL compared to 470 mL for whole blood, potentially contributing to faster reduction in serum PFAS levels. Additionally, PFAS concentrations are approximately twice as high in plasma compared to whole blood.
The implications of this research extend beyond firefighters to the general population, as PFASs are ubiquitous in our environment and have been associated with various adverse health outcomes. These substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” can persist in the body for years with half-lives ranging from 3.5 to 7.3 years.
While Rodriguez has gained attention for avoiding deodorant due to concerns about parabens, phthalates, and aluminum compounds, his approach lacks scientific validation. The recent athlete, who recently won $1 million at the Craig Jones Invitational, maintains his stance, saying, “I’m smelling money, dog.”
In contrast, blood and plasma donation offers a scientifically proven method for reducing harmful chemicals in the body. The procedure is relatively straightforward and, when performed under medical supervision, carries minimal risks to the donor.
The research team emphasizes that further studies are needed to investigate the clinical effects of reducing PFAS levels and to identify which populations would benefit most from these interventions. However, this discovery provides a promising solution for those concerned about chemical exposure in their daily lives.
Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8994130/
