When they first arrived on the market, antibacterial soaps were touted as the best way to stay healthy and germ free. Slowly, we came to learn that it was too much of a good thing and that the use of these chemicals was having dangerous results.
Antibacterial chemicals, such as Triclosan, were killing off not just the â€œbadâ€ bugs, but our own natural defenses. In addition, they were causing the evolution of resistant super germs. To top it off, doctors have been able to detect Triclosan in a motherâ€™s breast milk. Now it has been discovered that Triclosan also disrupts your endocrine system.
Researchers have found that this chemical, which is widely found in hand soaps, dishwashing soaps and toothpaste, hastens the growth of tadpoles. The animals experienced significant weight loss and accelerated hind leg growth. And it only takes .15 parts per billion to have this effect! This is especially disturbing as the hormonal signaling system of frogs very closely mimics our own.
When tested on its own, Triclosan doesnâ€™t appear to have this effect. However, as soon as it is exposed to thyroid hormones it increases and accelerates their impact on the body. It is believed to do this by making your protein receptors more sensitive to thyroid hormones. What makes this all the more dangerous is the fact that Triclocan has been shown to accumulate in a motherâ€™s breast milk.
Read the labels of the products youâ€™re buying and make sure that they are free of chemical antibacterials. Instead use natural soaps and hot water. If you decide that you want more germ-killing power, get a natural cleanser that contains natural germ fighters such as lavender, rosemary or tea tree.