Are you too clean for your own good?

It depends on who you ask, but most people would say cleanliness is very important.

The amount of money we spend on germ-killing cleaning supplies should tell us a bit about how we feel about bacteria.

These common household products such as soaps, detergents, health and skincare products and cleaners contain antibacterial agents to disinfect surfaces and eliminate potentially harmful bacteria.

What exactly is an antibacterial agent? According to Tufts University, an antibacterial is an agent that interferes with the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

So, antibacterials are a good thing, right? We all like to stay clean and maintain good health by avoiding bacteria that can wreak havoc on our bodies.

Well, antibacterials may not be a clear-cut solution to cleanliness…

A solution or a bigger problem?

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have discovered that exposure to environmental levels of triclocarban (TCC), an antibacterial chemical common in personal care products — like soaps and lotions for home use, as well as in the medical field — can transfer from mother to offspring and interfere with lipid metabolism.

You may be thinking, what is lipid metabolism? Well, lipids are naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, fat-soluble vitamins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides. Their main biological function is to store energy and act as structural components of cell membranes. This study’s findings show that the antibacterial components (or TCC) in these common products can interfere with the main biological function of lipids.

TCC is among the top 10 most commonly detected wastewater contaminants in concentration and frequency. But now, this study helps us to understand how TCC exposure can be passed on during development. “Early life exposure to TCC has the potential to cause irreversible outcomes due to the fragile nature of organ systems and protective mechanisms in developing offspring,” LLNL biologist Heather Enright said.

Making peace with bacteria

Nowadays, we are all happy to disinfect our homes and bodies but don’t think about the effects these decisions may have on our bodies and others.

Bacteria come in many variations, and not all bacteria are bad; some bacteria are good and can help support natural functions within the body, like digestion.

In fact, the latest research shows that beneficial bacteria residing in our digestive system are vitally important to our health from the time we exit the birth canal. A recently published study found that the process of establishing the gut microbiota in newborns and children is affected by various environmental factors, with the potential to be a main determinant of life-long health, including the importance of various factors related to the development of the immune system and allergic diseases later in life.

Supplements and certain foods are available to offer aid to beneficial bacteria, such as fermented vegetables, yogurts and other probiotics.

I recommend a specific supplement blend for digestive support that offers both acute relief from digestive discomfort such as nausea, heartburn and bloating, as well as providing long term support by strengthening and regulating digestive function, promoting better absorption of nutrients, supporting immunity and increasing antioxidant activity.

In ancient medical systems from many cultures, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, healthy digestion has long been regarded as the foundation of good health and longevity. Now we know that we are sharing with a host of resident organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi that are working hard to keep the peace and ward of disease causing organisms. By keeping ourselves in balance with nature, we can avoid the need for overuse of antibacterial chemicals with their potential long-term consequences.