Consider this surprising fact about the use of antibacterial soaps by Americans:
Some three-quarters use a minimum of six antimicrobial products. Yet this study has determined once again that nothing works better to get rid of viruses than tried-and-true hand washing with regular (non-antibacterial) soap and water.
One major caveat about this study: Researchers found anti-microbial agents were best at reducing bacteria during hand washing (although the use of non-antibacterial soap and water alone were most effective at removing viruses).
Nevertheless, it simply is not to your long-term benefit to use soaps with antibacterial agents, as they are loaded with many negative side effects.
In addition to being completely unnecessary they frequently do more harm than good, as the antibacterial compounds found in most of these soaps are prone to contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Further, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. But not only does triclosan kill bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells.
So when it comes time to wash your hands, and this should be done regularly throughout the day, particularly if you"re concerned about getting the flu, seek out a chemical-free soap from your local health food store.
Alternatively, about 10 years ago I learned of an intriguing concept of a new way to clean the hidden bacteria around your nailbeds that tends to harbor many of the bacteria that actually cause the infection. The above study shows very clearly that simple soap is quite effective at sterilizing the hands. However, the soap must reach areas where the bacteria are. Many bacteria hide in the area around your nails, and very few people ever clean this area properly.
The novel concept I learned of was a system that allowed you to actually dip your fingertips in soap that actually caused the soap to be driven under your fingernails where the vast majority of the viruses and bacteria are able to survive normal hand washing.
We sold this product in the early "90s in our office, but the company was poorly run and we simply could not use them anymore despite the incredible results the product was showing. Fortunately, Jordan Rubin, of Garden of Life, immediately recognized its value, purchased the company and now it is again commercially available as The Clenzology™ Advanced Hygiene System.
The simple five-step Clenzology process (it"s not antibacterial) takes just minutes a day to perform and goes beyond basic hygiene. It focuses on cleaning the areas of your body that most dramatically affect the overall quality of your health--your hands, face, ears, mouth, and nose--and is designed to vastly improve your current regimen with the ultimate goal of helping you achieve greater, more vibrant health and well-being.
PLEASE NOTE: The facial solutions in this kit must be diluted as directed before use. If you are pregnant or have a history of thyroid problems consult a physician before using this product.
For more information about the problems associated with antibacterial soaps, see my past article The Truth About Antibacterial Soaps, and Why You Should Avoid Them.
Related Articles:
Five Common Hygiene Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Simple Hand Washing Cuts Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Infectious Disease Expert Warns of Dangers of Anti-Bacterial Soaps and Antibiotics
Hand Washing Decreases Colds
Keeping the Flu Out of Your Home is in Your Hands
