1. Regular (Conventional) Deodorants & Antiperspirants Key Ingredients - - Aluminum chlorohydrate / aluminum zirconium - When applied to the skin, these aluminum compounds dissolve in the moisture present and form a gel-like plug that temporarily covers and blocks the sweat glands. - Fragrance: Often synthetic, may contain phthalates (hormone disruptors). - Triclosan (in some): Antibacterial, linked to thyroid disruption. - Propylene glycol, parabens, and PEGs: Can irritate skin and disrupt hormones. Health Concerns - - Hormone disruption from phthalates, parabens. - Breast cancer link: Aluminum may accumulate in breast tissue, though direct causation isn't fully proven. - Skin absorption: Shaving + applying deodorant increases absorption through open pores. - Blocking sweat interferes with the body's natural detox process. Solution - Avoid traditional antiperspirants that use aluminum and synthetic fragrance, especially long-term. 2. Natural Deodorants Pros - - Usually aluminum-free. - Use ingredients like baking soda, magnesium, arrowroot, coconut oil, essential oils. - Let your body sweat naturally, just reduce odor. Potential Issues - - Some people react to baking soda with irritation or rashes. - Still may contain fragrance oils (watch for "fragrance" on label — even natural brands sometimes use this loophole). - May require a detox period when switching from antiperspirant. Solution - A good option for most people. Choose fragrance-free or essential-oil scented, and patch test for baking soda sensitivity. 3. Potassium Alum (Potassium Aluminum Sulfate) — “Crystal” Deodorants What it is - - A naturally occurring mineral salt used in some "natural" deodorants. - Unlike antiperspirants, it forms a thin layer on the skin that inhibits bacterial growth (causing odor), not sweat glands. Cons - - While it’s less absorbable than aluminum in antiperspirants, it still contains aluminum. - Industry claims the molecule is too large to penetrate the skin, but some scientists disagree, especially if the skin is broken or freshly shaved. - No long-term safety studies specifically on potassium alum and chronic exposure via underarm skin.

Root-Cause Resolution (Educational – Not Medical Advice) None of these are about "bad luck." They’re adaptations to chronic stressors — physical, chemical, or emotional. Key Patterns to Watch For - - Hormonal Chaos? → Think fibroids, cysts, breast lumps - Poor Detox/Overload? → Think cysts, lipomas, skin tags - Chronic Irritation? → Think nodules, polyps, calcifications - Metabolic Stress? → Think insulin resistance signs (skin tags, ovarian cysts) - Immune Burden? → Think lymph swelling, nodules, granulomas These growths aren’t random. They often reflect underlying imbalances such as - - Estrogen dominance (too much estrogen, too little progesterone) - Insulin resistance (high blood sugar = grow signals) - Iodine or mineral deficiencies (especially thyroid and breast health) - Chronic inflammation (from food, infection, gut issues, stress) - Detox overload (liver/lymph can’t keep up, so the body isolates toxins) - Suppressed trauma or emotional stress (the body “somatizes” what the heart can’t process) Key Patterns to Watch For If you have one or more of these growths, your body may be telling you - - Your hormones need balancing. - Your liver and lymph need support. - Your blood sugar is chronically elevated. - Your stress response is stuck in “on.” - Your gut or immune system is overburdened. - You may be carrying old emotional baggage in your tissues. What to Focus On for Prevention & Healing Instead of fear, respond with strategy. Here are powerful areas to focus on - - Balance hormones: Get your estrogen and progesterone working with you, not against you. - Support detox pathways: Prioritize liver, gut, lymph, and skin. - Reduce inflammation: Clean up your food, slow down your stress, and move gently but consistently. - Improve insulin sensitivity: Eat in a way that keeps blood sugar steady and stable. - Rebuild mineral reserves: Focus on magnesium, iodine, selenium, and zinc. Do not self medicate. - Address emotional root causes: Use journaling, EFT, breath work, or therapy to process what the body may be holding. - More on the possible emotional roots in Part 6

What’s one or more beliefs that protected you as a child… but now confines your health journey? That belief may have helped you survive then. But is it helping you thrive now? 1. "Finish everything on your plate." Taught you not to waste. Now? You override hunger cues and struggle with portion control. 2. "Good girls don’t ask for what they want." Kept you ‘polite’ and accepted. Now? You don’t advocate for your needs — in your health, relationships, or rest. 3. "Work comes before play." Taught discipline and responsibility. Now? You skip workouts, sleep, or stress relief because “there’s always more to do.” 4. "Don’t be selfish." Kept peace in the family. Now? You feel guilty prioritizing your meals, workouts, or self-care. 5. "Push through it." Built resilience. Now? You ignore pain, fatigue, or burnout — until your body forces you to stop. 6. "If you’re not productive, you’re lazy." Gave you drive. Now? You can’t rest without guilt — even when rest is exactly what your body needs to heal. 7. "Thin = good. Fat = bad." Came from diet culture in your environment. Now? You equate worth with weight and sabotage progress through shame or extremes. 8. "Children should be seen and not heard." You learned to stay quiet, stay small, and not make waves. It protected you from conflict or rejection. Now? You silence your needs. You struggle to speak up — at the doctor’s office, in relationships, in your coaching journey. You may even dismiss your own body’s signals… because you were taught your voice didn’t matter. Your voice is vital.Your story is valid.Your body is worth listening to — and so are you. Any others You experienced that don't serve you now? 💝

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https://share.icloud.com/photos/015E3t6wEbpoFknEOgec5dBLQ I have been working with Rheece and Michale for about 2 1/2 months. Bench press is at 95 lbs. Barely got that 4th rep but I did! While my total body weight has not changed much, I have lost an inch from my waist and feel better in many ways.