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December 25 2004
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Washing Your Hair May be Dangerous to Your Health

I"ve previously posted information on my site about the hidden, and often toxic, chemicals found in commonly used products such as cosmetics and household cleaners. And, contrary to what the study shows, it is important to recognize that whatever you spread on your skin has a VERY REAL chance of being absorbed into your blood stream and causing some serious damage in your body.

Antibacterial hand soap is another household item that poses many health risks. This is because, just as MIT is put in shampoos and hand lotions to prevent bacteria from forming, antibacterial soap contains an active ingredient known as triclosan. This antibacterial agent kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth; however, it also has been shown to kill human cells. Antibacterial ingredients can be found in some of the same products MIT is found in, such as:

  • Laundry detergents
  • Shampoos
  • Toothpastes
  • Body washes
  • Dish soaps

The reason so many consumers use products like these is because they have been marketed as an effective and necessary way to lower the risk of infection. However, many scientists fear that widespread use could lead to a strain of resistant bacteria, or "superbugs," causing the ingredients to lose effectiveness for the times when they really are needed.

Scientists have also found that using antibacterial products apparently offers little protection against the most COMMON germs!

In my practice, I have found the best way to maintain ultimate hygiene is by using the Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System. This hygiene kit is simple to use and only takes a matter of minutes, which makes it ideal for families with young children.

Most importantly, the Clenzology soap is not antibacterial, yet it is capable of reaching the tens of thousands of germs on the backs and palms of the hands, on the fingers and under the fingernails. 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.

If you are concerned about the numerous toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis, I strongly urge you to read Our Toxic World: A Wake Up Call. The author, Dr. Doris Rapp, does a thorough job of uncovering the many ways we are exposed to toxic chemicals and how they take a toll on our health and contribute to many chronic diseases.

Also, learn more about the wide-ranging use of MIT in common household products we take for granted by checking out this list, compiled by the National Institutes of Health.

Related Articles:

The Truth About Antibacterial Soaps -- And Why You Should Avoid Them

Your Skin Has Natural Antibiotics

Infectious Disease Expert Warns of Dangers of Anti-Bacterial Soaps and Antibiotics

Antibacterial Soaps Popularity May be Spreading Resistant Bacteria

Hygiene Systems To Improve Health



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:

I've previously posted information on my site about the hidden, and often toxic, chemicals found in commonly used products such as cosmetics and household cleaners. And, contrary to what the study shows, it is important to recognize that whatever you spread on your skin has a VERY REAL chance of being absorbed into your blood stream and causing some serious damage in your body.

Antibacterial hand soap is another household item that poses many health risks. This is because, just as MIT is put in shampoos and hand lotions to prevent bacteria from forming, antibacterial soap contains an active ingredient known as triclosan. This antibacterial agent kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth; however, it also has been shown to kill human cells. Antibacterial ingredients can be found in some of the same products MIT is found in, such as:

  • Laundry detergents
  • Shampoos
  • Toothpastes
  • Body washes
  • Dish soaps

The reason so many consumers use products like these is because they have been marketed as an effective and necessary way to lower the risk of infection. However, many scientists fear that widespread use could lead to a strain of resistant bacteria, or "superbugs," causing the ingredients to lose effectiveness for the times when they really are needed.

Scientists have also found that using antibacterial products apparently offers little protection against the most COMMON germs!

In my practice, I have found the best way to maintain ultimate hygiene is by using the Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System. This hygiene kit is simple to use and only takes a matter of minutes, which makes it ideal for families with young children.

Most importantly, the Clenzology soap is not antibacterial, yet it is capable of reaching the tens of thousands of germs on the backs and palms of the hands, on the fingers and under the fingernails. 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.

If you are concerned about the numerous toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis, I strongly urge you to read Our Toxic World: A Wake Up Call. The author, Dr. Doris Rapp, does a thorough job of uncovering the many ways we are exposed to toxic chemicals and how they take a toll on our health and contribute to many chronic diseases.

Also, learn more about the wide-ranging use of MIT in common household products we take for granted by checking out this list, compiled by the National Institutes of Health.

Related Articles:

The Truth About Antibacterial Soaps -- And Why You Should Avoid Them

Your Skin Has Natural Antibiotics

Infectious Disease Expert Warns of Dangers of Anti-Bacterial Soaps and Antibiotics

Antibacterial Soaps Popularity May be Spreading Resistant Bacteria

Hygiene Systems To Improve Health

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Community Comments ( 6 )
Comment on this Article
  
  
Moriarty
[ Joined on 04/08 ] [ Posted on May 28, 2008 ]
1 Points        
   
 
Novice User

Soaps and detergents work not by killing bacteria and viruses but by floating the oils from the skin, lifting the critters from the skin, and flushing the "soup" away with plenty of water.

 [ Reply ]
  
  
Moriarty
[ Joined on 04/08 ] [ Posted on May 28, 2008 ]
1 Points        
   
 
Novice User

And when showering you are inhaling the gases dissolved in and the particulates suspended in the water. Immersion baths expose you much less to harmful chemicals and particles. However, women should avoid allowing water to enter the vagina, as it disturbs the natural balance.

 [ Reply ]
  
  
Beccadog
[ Joined on 10/07 ] [ Posted on May 26, 2008 ]
1 Points        
   
 
Apprentice User

I wash my hair with the same products that wash my skin: Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild liquid soap. www.amazon.com/.../B000HKTSQU

www.drbronner.com/.../BAB.htm

Often, I'll rinse with apple cider vinegar and water, which removes soap residue, and any tangles that may occur.

 [ Reply ]
  
  
saynotoquacks
[ Joined on 04/07 ] [ Posted on May 27, 2008 ]
       
   
 
Savvy User

I quit using shampoo three years ago and just wash my hair with Ivory bar soap.  It feels so much cleaner, and my hair doesn't fall out nearly as much.  I feel so much healithier!  My dad quit using shampoo and he stopped going bald.  I believe shampoo is the primary cause of hair loss.

 [ Reply ]
  
  
tatertot
[ Joined on 02/08 ] [ Posted on May 25, 2008 ]
       
   
 
Novice User

I had a friend who gave several permanents to friends while she was pregnant and she had a downs baby after having several normal children.  I will always regret being one of the "friends" to whom she gave a permanent.  God bless her and forgive me!

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
am8
[ Joined on 01/08 ]  [ Posted on May 25, 2008]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

That is so sad!  Thank you for sharing it with us, though...


 
Truste
 
Mercola