As I mentioned in a previous article, many people are freaked out about bacteria of any kind. One of the by-products of this phobia is the proliferation of anti-bacterial soaps. Our health is dependent not on the eradication of all bacteria but a 85/15 ratio of good to bad bacteria. Although it might be a good idea for medical procedures that are invasive, the concept of anti-bacterial soap for day to day use, creates several health problems. As an example over the years I have had several female patients who were using anti-bacterial soaps for bathing and had developed urinary tract problems. In the previous article I had discussed how when all the bacteria are whipped out, the bad bacteria are much quicker to regenerate and that 85/15 balance is disrupted. In each of these cases yeast was the culprit and once each of the patients discontinued the anti-bacterial soaps, the problem quickly disappeared.
However this unbalancing of the fragile bacterial ratio is not the only problem with these soaps. The vast majority of the these products use an ingredient called triclosan as the anti-bacterial agent. It can be found in not only soaps but clothing, cutting boards, toothpaste, and many other products labeled as anti-bacterial. It is so common that apparently it is has been reported that it is in the urine of 75% of the population (I wonder who they figured that out). The problem with it is that it is a pesticide and studies have shown it to be an endocrine (hormonal) disruptor, that it forms chloroform when in contact with chlorinated water and has been linked to allergies, asthma and eczema in humans. Regardless of what triclosan side effects the studies show, I am guessing that putting a pesticide on or in your body at all, let alone multiple times a day, is just not a good idea.
For over 38 years th FDA has known about the potential risks of this chemical. Its own advisory panel warned in 2005 that triclosan posed “unacceptable health and environmental risks”, and concluded that there is no evidence that anti-bacterials work any better than regular soap and water. Despite this the FDA has done absolutely nothing to restrict its use and protect the public. As with way too many issues concerning health and safety, you cannot rely on the agency that is suppose to protect you but is too corrupt to do so. You need to take matters into your own hands.
If you start investigating (Google it) you will find that most of the commercial hygiene products are rife with chemistry that has proven to be dangerous to human health. Products such as shampoos, sunscreens, toothpaste, body washes, lotions, antiperspirants, makeup, etc, all have toxic chemicals. Since these are products that are usually applied every day, sometimes on multiple occasions, it is vitally important that they are as toxin free as possible. Find products that are natural online or check my blog where I have often given natural alternatives, some you can make yourself. Personally I like Dr. Bronners natural castille soaps. They come in a wide variety of scents, can be bought at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc., are inexpensive and can be used as a body wash, shampoo, dish soap, clothes soap, or tooth brushing. It’s amazing stuff! Probably as close as you can get to a one product does it all.
If you worry less about bacteria and instead take some time to eliminate or reduce the toxic load these products are exposing you to, your health will be so much the better for it.
Yours In Health
