Anti-Bacterial Soap Friend or Foe

I thought I would reprint this article from another website called healingmaryland. They did a great article on the problems of anit-baterial soaps.

Antibacterial Soaps: Good Choice or Overkill?

antibacterial soaps problemsIngredients in soaps and cleansers intended to fight bacteria could promote the growth of drug-resistant “superbugs” that might otherwise be kept in check with little more than a vigorous scrub, a researcher said in an article in THE BOSTON GLOBE • TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2000 The efforts of humans to keep their bodies and the things they touch bacteria-free are misguided, Tufts University microbiologist Dr. Stuart Levy told the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Levy said..

“Dousing everything we touch with antibacterial soaps and taking antibiotic medications at the first sign of a cold can upset the natural balance of microorganisms in and around us, leaving behind only the ‘superbugs.'”

In “Are You Too Clean For Your Own Good”, an article by Harvey Blank, M.D., Prevention Magazine, Dr. Blank points out that the ingredients in antimicrobial soaps are absorbed into the bloodstream and the body’s organs, with unknown effects. “Just killing germs does not necessarily mean you are doing good”, says Dr. Blank.

He goes on to say that many of the bacteria on the skin’s surface are not harmful, and, if they are removed, harmful, disease-causing bacteria may take their place and become a problem. Dr. Levy said cleansers such as soap and hot water are sufficient for most purposes.

Strong antibacterial cleaners are needed only when someone in a household is seriously ill or has low immunity. “If we are to avert a crisis, people need to stop and think twice before using fortified cleansers and pressuring their doctors to give them antibiotics for every infection,” he said.

Researchers report that more and more infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics because of the many antibacterial soaps and cleansers that are being used. Levy said a recent Italian study found that exposure to bacteria is essential for development of an infant’s immune system. He said a baby must be exposed to germs during its first year in order to develop antibodies needed to fight infection later in life.

“Just as a child needs lot of exercise to develop strong bones and muscles,” Levy said, “a child’s immune system needs a rigorous workout to develop normal resistance to infections throughout life.”
Our skin comes equipped with natural antibacterial protection called the acid mantle. It’s our immune system’s first line of defense against germs. However, most soaps and cleaning agents are alkaline which means they will strip the acid mantle barrier.

Frequent washing of hands and faces is the best protection against infection. Shaklee personal care products are pH balanced and do not strip away the protective acid mantle of the skin.
For great results just use Basic H, Hand Wash Concentrate or Meadow Blend Soap Free Cleansing Bar and wash your hands well (rubbing them vigorously for 20 seconds—enough time to sing “Happy Birthday To You” two times—then rinse in warm water). This will suspend 95% of the germs in water so they can be rinsed off.

The Basic H2 wipes are perfect for cleaning shopping cart handles (the number one repository of germs), wiping kids hands and faces when you’re away from home and generally cleaning surfaces to remove bugs and bacteria safely and effectively. It’s good to know that we CAN remove germs and bacteria without damaging the delicate balance of microorganisms in our environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *