On your next trip to the grocery or drugstore, you might notice that the majority of soaps on the shelves are labeled as anti-bacterial. We have been bombarded with propaganda about these soaps and most of us believe they are better for us. But, truly, we need to ask what bacteria an antibacterial soap kills – because it isn't what you think. In fact, an antibacterial handwash is a really bad idea.
Surprisingly, scientific research these soaps actually boost our risk of allergies, and other illnesses. Anti-bacterial soap not only kills off harmless bacteria but it actually allows left over bacteria to grow stronger.
Most bacteria are harmless and we don't need to protect yourself from them because our body's immune system has the power to fight & destroy most harmful bacteria. The end result of these anti bacterial soaps is that were killing off the harmless bacteria – while leaving the unfriendly invaders the space to thrive.
A double-blind study by researchers at the Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who use anti-bacterial soap enjoyed no preventive benefit over those who used regular soap. Furthermore, the conservative American Medical Association rejected the idea that these soaps are good for you.
Here's what Myron Genel, chairman of the AMA's Council on Scientific Affairs said:
"There's no evidence that they do any good and there's reason to suspect that they could contribute to a problem by helping to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria."
In fact, using anti-bacterial soap regularly can cause the following health problems:
* Runny nose
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Fever
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Boils
* Conjunctivitis
So remember: your skin is the largest organ in your body. It will absorb whatever you put on it – including the chemicals and antibiotics you get from anti-bacterial soaps.
Instead of wasting money and time on anti-bacterial soaps, try using soaps with natural ingredients, instead of chemicals and dyes. You'll find the best ones at health food stores, but they're available everywhere.
Mercie Caldwell says
I recently read something about this & can’t remember exactly, but it’s helping to create the famous Super Bugs that are immune to everything. I never use this kind of soap – good old ‘plain’ soap for me.