Excessive Use of Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum. Excessive use of mineral oil can be dangerous to the human body. It is found in many cosmetic and skin care products and baby oils and is used in home remedies. Educate yourself about the excessive use of mineral oil to avoid its dangers.
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History
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Mineral oil is a byproduct in the production of petroleum. It is widely used in body and skin care products because companies that manufacture them can get mineral oil for a very reasonable price. The price is so low because there is no other real use for it; companies working with petroleum sell it off rather inexpensively.
Skin Problems
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Mineral oil puts a coat on the skin and dissolves its natural oils. Although mineral oil does keep moisture in, it does not let the skin "breathe." This "breathing" is important because the skin is a vital organ for the body, and when it "breathes," it eliminates toxins and absorbs oxygen and moisture. Mineral oils prevent this process from occurring because its molecules are too big to be absorbed, so they sit on the skin and prevent the "breathing" from taking place. Excessive use of mineral oil can cause the skin to dry out and not perform its task of keeping the body healthy by eliminating toxins and absorbing oxygen and moisture into the body.
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Diarrhea
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It is true that mineral oil can be a good aid in getting rid of constipation, but excessive use of any constipation remedy can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause bloating, cramps, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, blood or mucous in the stool, and dehydration. These symptoms, although not too serious, can be very uncomfortable and may cause social problems. Avoid excessive use of mineral oil for constipation to reduce the chances of these symptoms.
Sapped Nutrients
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When the oil is absorbed, it is broken down in the liver and passed into the intestinal tract. The oil absorbs fat-soluble vitamins once it enters the intestinal tract. When the vitamins are absorbed by mineral oil, they cannot be used by the body and are waste. In essence, mineral oil steals nutrients from the body. Excessive absorption of these minerals can cause malnutrition.
Lipoid Pneumonia
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Mineral oil is present in many baby oils and is used in cases of pediatric constipation, making it a candidate for excessive use in children and babies. This is dangerous because mineral oil can cause lipoid pneumonia in babies. Lipoid pneumonia is a type of lung inflammation caused by lipoids, when oils like mineral oil enter the lungs.
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References
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