Botox + Informed Consent

Spoiler Alert! I don’t like Botox and would never get it myself. This is my point of view, you get to make a decision for yourself.

Botox uses a toxin called onabotulinumtoxinA which is a toxin produced by botulism. Anytime you add something foreign into your body, you fill your toxic bucket more. It slowly metabolizes in the whole body.

Scientists seem to agree that botulinum toxin, produced by anaerobic bacteria, is the most toxic substance known. Its LD50 is tiny – at most 1 nanogram per kilogram can kill a human.

My question is, what does this do in microdoses in the body? To give you some perspective, Botox is measured in trillionths of a gram.

Botox works by blocking nerve signals that make muscles contract. The muscles then relax which reduces wrinkles for 3 to 6 months.

This does affect the nerves in other cells. It has the potential to spread to other areas of the body from where it is injected. For me, I don’t want to risk it. I spend way too much time, energy and money on my health to risk it for a choice cosmetic procedure.

Botox also weakens the muscles over time. If you stop using it, you could have more wrinkles because of muscle atrophy. It also thins skin over time, making veins more visible. This happens when you do botox at younger ages.

Common Side Effects of Botox

• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Poop eyelid closure
• Change in voice
• Eye irritation
• Throat irritation
• Dry mouth
• Uriniary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Neck pain
• Low energy
• Headache
• Cough
• Nausea
• Backache
• Infections

Informed Consent

Informed consent is giving all sides and risks and benefits. You can make the decision for yourself. But you need to know the full picture. You need informed consent for any health decision you make.

People fight against informed consent. Like it’s a bad thing. But it isn’t. It is sharing the pros and cons and letting you decide for yourself.

I always recommend doing your own research. Find the risks and benefits while taking your own health history into consideration. Make an informed decision once you have all the facts.

Related Links & Resources:

• Ep. 121: How to Make Health a Priority, But Not an Idol with Angie Tolpin
• Ep 106: Lateral Shifts & Their Importance in Your Health