Just Woke up , again. Drooll running past my chin. Whiskers sticky with the stuff. And my neck stiff and stuck against my left shoulder. Ageing sucks soooo Bad!!~! I woke at 5 Am right on schedule,,,,,,FOR WHAT?? I'm not going anywhere ! We have no Appointment to get to. There was no alarm set, except for the one inside my noggin. There must be a special place in sleep mode that operates in slow motion as I'm on half a battery for the first 30 minutes. A slow shuffle takes me through the darkened house. And I've been known to catch a few more 'winks" as I stand over the Toilet to,,,well, you know. Sometimes I cheat, n sit because it requires less energy. But the downside is you kin hurt yourself if you drift off n fall forward. Very Embarrassing if you make a lot of noise on the way down. The upside, you do wake up faster.
Still en mode, I shuffle to the kitchen counter to feel for the Folgers Canister. I have no Idea why the coffee needs to be made so early. But its important that its en brew as I lean there resting through it's cycle. A kitchen stool is close by, but memories of past events keep me from its comforts, or the pains there off that accompany a nasty fall.
The shuffle back more careful now as the hot liquid warms my fingers yet threatens my knees n toes. Not to mention repercussion created by drips on floors n carpets. Why is that such a big deal??
My desk, a natural mess but the spot on the left, the one with the coffee stain designates the parking spot for the warm cup. and I can ease back against the warm fabric and not think so much. There are things to do, but for now the smell of the warm brew massages my coddled mind and allows me the options. But I must not drift far, lest they find me slumped over here completely at rest,, in my boxers,,,,,,,,,,
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Guarding against CANCER
With everything from baby foods to cosmetics packed full of poisons. And our water systems being loaded with bacteria. And our homes belching poison gasses from carpets, new furniture and wallboard. It's no longer a question of why cancer shows up as a killer. Once you look into all these things its very easy to just throw up your hands and give up,thinking this is way too complicated. But the fact is it's very treatable using the uniqueness built into our own bodies.
Nutritional supplements and vitamins are very effective when researched and used properly. Even inexpensive when weighed for their value against conventional medical treatment costs.
They've gotten a bad rap from those who choose to listen to the chatter instead of learn for themselves. There are many to choose from but few that meet their purpose. That small capsule not only needs to get inside you, but needs to break down and become absorbed into your system so it can be used. Some states require septic system pumpers to screen out all the little "capsules" before they can dump their truck contents, a direct indicator that you tossed your money right down the toilet.
Vitamins, or nutrients need to be created in such a way as to be bonded,or attached to a natural substance that can be readily absorbed through the stomach into the cell structure of your body as the capsule is absorbed. There to be used by your immune system to rebuild your health. So, two things need to happen for you to benefit from your investment. The capsule needs to be made of a material that will breakdown in the stomach, and have within it the capability to travel into your cell structure. anything less and you may as well spend yur buck on a burrito.
The evidence of a good supplement is fairly easy. You'll feel better, and possess more energy. Body function will change as well as appetite and even attitude.
Melaleuca provides an impressive supplement system that has a patented absorption system and I've found it to be very effective. I'm sure there are more out there but I've researched this one and am completely satisfied.
But the purpose of this post is to share good information to help you feel better and live healthy. if your feeding your immune System well, it will be at work for you keeping you disease free.
Nutritional supplements and vitamins are very effective when researched and used properly. Even inexpensive when weighed for their value against conventional medical treatment costs.
They've gotten a bad rap from those who choose to listen to the chatter instead of learn for themselves. There are many to choose from but few that meet their purpose. That small capsule not only needs to get inside you, but needs to break down and become absorbed into your system so it can be used. Some states require septic system pumpers to screen out all the little "capsules" before they can dump their truck contents, a direct indicator that you tossed your money right down the toilet.
Vitamins, or nutrients need to be created in such a way as to be bonded,or attached to a natural substance that can be readily absorbed through the stomach into the cell structure of your body as the capsule is absorbed. There to be used by your immune system to rebuild your health. So, two things need to happen for you to benefit from your investment. The capsule needs to be made of a material that will breakdown in the stomach, and have within it the capability to travel into your cell structure. anything less and you may as well spend yur buck on a burrito.
The evidence of a good supplement is fairly easy. You'll feel better, and possess more energy. Body function will change as well as appetite and even attitude.
Melaleuca provides an impressive supplement system that has a patented absorption system and I've found it to be very effective. I'm sure there are more out there but I've researched this one and am completely satisfied.
But the purpose of this post is to share good information to help you feel better and live healthy. if your feeding your immune System well, it will be at work for you keeping you disease free.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
"Lets TALK ABOUT BREASTS
I thought a long time on how to address this issue using a more delicate Language or word that didn't offend anyone. But I'm a fella, and worse yet, I've heard all the locker room "stuff'" many times over. And the guys are gonna be guys any way I print this. But its a very important post if I can convince you to check it out, As I think there is help out there if I'm able to get you to think a little.
So, lets get it out. breasts, I for one reelee like um!!, fact izz, I have for a long long time. I think God knew that when He formed women , and made her desirous to men.
The breast cancer fear in women is global, and strikes fear in the hearts and minds of many many gals. And I don't believe it has to be. My wife struggled each time she would have to go for a mammogram because it caused much pain, and I remember going along and seeing the tears in a women who never cried. And after the tests, cancer took her in 1996.
Many cancers seem to park the tumors in the limpf nodes under the arm and develop lumps in the breast itself. My wife went through both physical pain as well as psychological issues at the removal of her breasts followed by the pain and disappointment of re-construction.
Ladies Listen. There is a test called the AMAS Test that monitors your Immune System and it's activity. The tests was created in the early 90's and is 95 percent effective in Preventing cancer. It is documented in the American Medical Associations journal of that year and is supported by facts. You don't hear of it from Conventional Medical folks for obvious reasons. but it measures immunal activity that can detect cancer YEARS before it can get to the lump stage.
It will require that you get involved in monitoring your own health issues through a Natural Medicine Professional but you would then be in control. I have taken this test when I had Bladder Cancer now 5 years ago. its a simple pee test that's painless. how much easier can it get?
be good to yourselves and check it out. you can be free of the fear. if I can help just e-mail and I'll get you more info. in fact, I addressed it in an earlier blog under AMAS test. Jenny and I have struggled long in this cancer fight, and you can reap the benefits , if you'll just begin to think on your own.. Gods Very best SSNUFFY
So, lets get it out. breasts, I for one reelee like um!!, fact izz, I have for a long long time. I think God knew that when He formed women , and made her desirous to men.
The breast cancer fear in women is global, and strikes fear in the hearts and minds of many many gals. And I don't believe it has to be. My wife struggled each time she would have to go for a mammogram because it caused much pain, and I remember going along and seeing the tears in a women who never cried. And after the tests, cancer took her in 1996.
Many cancers seem to park the tumors in the limpf nodes under the arm and develop lumps in the breast itself. My wife went through both physical pain as well as psychological issues at the removal of her breasts followed by the pain and disappointment of re-construction.
Ladies Listen. There is a test called the AMAS Test that monitors your Immune System and it's activity. The tests was created in the early 90's and is 95 percent effective in Preventing cancer. It is documented in the American Medical Associations journal of that year and is supported by facts. You don't hear of it from Conventional Medical folks for obvious reasons. but it measures immunal activity that can detect cancer YEARS before it can get to the lump stage.
It will require that you get involved in monitoring your own health issues through a Natural Medicine Professional but you would then be in control. I have taken this test when I had Bladder Cancer now 5 years ago. its a simple pee test that's painless. how much easier can it get?
be good to yourselves and check it out. you can be free of the fear. if I can help just e-mail and I'll get you more info. in fact, I addressed it in an earlier blog under AMAS test. Jenny and I have struggled long in this cancer fight, and you can reap the benefits , if you'll just begin to think on your own.. Gods Very best SSNUFFY
Saturday, December 27, 2008
"" NOW WHAT""???
Together we meet yet another morning. Presents have turned into a pile of paper, the meal now, just 'pickings", and the turkey gone. For those who forgot your mates gift, your goose is cooked.
Plans are now in place to ring in the New Year and midnight on 12/31 will be a night of happy people, celebrations and parties.
Sometimes we need a reminder that we are only able to have these freedoms because someone gave their life for it. Sobering huh? If its not, you're in denial. You were allowed to grow up free, run where you wanted to run, and do almost anything within the law because someone saw the value in being free and volunteered to fight and die for your rights.
Nothing 'ticks "me off more than a group of people standing on a street corner whining about the war. They are free to demonstrate ONLY because men fought and died for the freedom they are using. If 9/11 didn't convince you that there are folks out there that want you Dead Stand easy, because none of my words will penetrate the gourd setting on your shoulders. Men are dieing today so your sisters and brothers won't risk being raped in your living room. Make no mistake. Given the chance, that will be the case and more if these terrorists aren't stopped. We all want peace. But since time began it has come at a cost, and our Soldiers are paying it, FOR YOU !!!
Over two years ago now I remember hearing about how bad the returning soldiers were being treated. Don Imus raised quit a stink about it and got a bunch of folks together to build a new facility to help them get good help. The Intrepid Hero's Center was built to help down in Texas. Just recently it was revealed that there are over 800 THOUSAND Soldiers trying to get help for various serious conditions but were literally turned away because our government couldn't keep up on PAPERWORK!!!! Stories of men traumatized to the point of SUICIDE and turned away. IF you're not embarrassed by this you should be !! These guys n gals were covering your butt so you could go do your thing.
Sometimes life gets busy, It happens to us all. but lets lay it on the line here. In an earlier post I asked for help to get something started. And the response was pathetic at best. I'm asking you again. Help me help them. I will put in the first hundred dollars. and I'll provide documented information on every donated dollar. A committee is being formed to decide who we can help. an account is being established. You can use my E-mail alroth@hbci.com. My paypal is the same. My address is 25167 Hwy 248, Minnesota City, Mn 55959. Your going to blow some dollars on New Years Eve. I'm asking you to save a buck for those giving you the freedom to go to your party. If all you can do is copy this to your e-mail list at least your doing something. But I doubt very much that there is anyone that cant afford a buck. I'm disabled and caregiver to a wife with cancer. I don't have much, but I can a little extra,,,,,,,, and so can you if your honest . Help Me Help Them, Please !!!
Plans are now in place to ring in the New Year and midnight on 12/31 will be a night of happy people, celebrations and parties.
Sometimes we need a reminder that we are only able to have these freedoms because someone gave their life for it. Sobering huh? If its not, you're in denial. You were allowed to grow up free, run where you wanted to run, and do almost anything within the law because someone saw the value in being free and volunteered to fight and die for your rights.
Nothing 'ticks "me off more than a group of people standing on a street corner whining about the war. They are free to demonstrate ONLY because men fought and died for the freedom they are using. If 9/11 didn't convince you that there are folks out there that want you Dead Stand easy, because none of my words will penetrate the gourd setting on your shoulders. Men are dieing today so your sisters and brothers won't risk being raped in your living room. Make no mistake. Given the chance, that will be the case and more if these terrorists aren't stopped. We all want peace. But since time began it has come at a cost, and our Soldiers are paying it, FOR YOU !!!
Over two years ago now I remember hearing about how bad the returning soldiers were being treated. Don Imus raised quit a stink about it and got a bunch of folks together to build a new facility to help them get good help. The Intrepid Hero's Center was built to help down in Texas. Just recently it was revealed that there are over 800 THOUSAND Soldiers trying to get help for various serious conditions but were literally turned away because our government couldn't keep up on PAPERWORK!!!! Stories of men traumatized to the point of SUICIDE and turned away. IF you're not embarrassed by this you should be !! These guys n gals were covering your butt so you could go do your thing.
Sometimes life gets busy, It happens to us all. but lets lay it on the line here. In an earlier post I asked for help to get something started. And the response was pathetic at best. I'm asking you again. Help me help them. I will put in the first hundred dollars. and I'll provide documented information on every donated dollar. A committee is being formed to decide who we can help. an account is being established. You can use my E-mail alroth@hbci.com. My paypal is the same. My address is 25167 Hwy 248, Minnesota City, Mn 55959. Your going to blow some dollars on New Years Eve. I'm asking you to save a buck for those giving you the freedom to go to your party. If all you can do is copy this to your e-mail list at least your doing something. But I doubt very much that there is anyone that cant afford a buck. I'm disabled and caregiver to a wife with cancer. I don't have much, but I can a little extra,,,,,,,, and so can you if your honest . Help Me Help Them, Please !!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Help Me Help them, Please
It's Christmas outside, Minnesota style. From my desk in three different directions I can see the snow, comin down in buckets full. About 12-14 inches on the ground and the promise of 6 to 12 inches more before a break, At least I hope so. The hills around my little farm picturesque. Any view could be a beautiful Christmas card. Folks are out n about, slipping and sliding, trying to finish the list of presents that will be one big pile of pretty paper in just short of 6 days. Families will gather to enjoy a huge meal, and spend the rest of the day playing with new toys n games or just relaxing.
I should be excited with the Season of Christs birth but my heart Is heavy. Yesterday I heard again of Soldiers, War Hero's , sick and hurting. Thousands lost in the paperwork of Government Bureaucracy . Men and Gals close to suicide because they, we cant process the papers to help them git rid of the "stuff" war tosses at them. Lives literally destroyed because they chose to protect You and I from harm. This is more than embarrassing, It's criminal!!
Together we can start a fund to help. We may not raise enough to get them all but we'd be doing something. Someone tell me how to set this up. I'm disabled, and caregiver to a sick wife. But I will find the time to get this going, I don't have much, but I can come up with a hundred bucks to start the kitty. I'll do it all for free. Everyone can afford a buck can't they? Everyone knows someone who's been hurt by the war. We can form a committee to decide who we can help. Use all Volunteers so that all the money goes to the guys n gals that need it. We could channel the funds into a paypal account so everyone would have easier access for giving their dollars, that will work to start. The very least we owe these kids is to not forget them when their tour is over. It doesn't matter if you were for or against the war. they were covering your back. , and you owe them. If you can't find a buck, which I very seriously doubt. you can at least copy this to your address list and send it around. Help me help them. All I have is you to help. Anyone doubting that I'm doing this in Ernest can e-mail me for a copy of the funds and where they are going. Come on! get involved ! If you have ideas write me. I'm determined to do what I can. don't turn your head to these kids . its the season of giving. Save a buck for those who went to bat for you. If you all just give a buck and pass this on. We will be able to make a difference. Thnx SSNUFFY
I should be excited with the Season of Christs birth but my heart Is heavy. Yesterday I heard again of Soldiers, War Hero's , sick and hurting. Thousands lost in the paperwork of Government Bureaucracy . Men and Gals close to suicide because they, we cant process the papers to help them git rid of the "stuff" war tosses at them. Lives literally destroyed because they chose to protect You and I from harm. This is more than embarrassing, It's criminal!!
Together we can start a fund to help. We may not raise enough to get them all but we'd be doing something. Someone tell me how to set this up. I'm disabled, and caregiver to a sick wife. But I will find the time to get this going, I don't have much, but I can come up with a hundred bucks to start the kitty. I'll do it all for free. Everyone can afford a buck can't they? Everyone knows someone who's been hurt by the war. We can form a committee to decide who we can help. Use all Volunteers so that all the money goes to the guys n gals that need it. We could channel the funds into a paypal account so everyone would have easier access for giving their dollars, that will work to start. The very least we owe these kids is to not forget them when their tour is over. It doesn't matter if you were for or against the war. they were covering your back. , and you owe them. If you can't find a buck, which I very seriously doubt. you can at least copy this to your address list and send it around. Help me help them. All I have is you to help. Anyone doubting that I'm doing this in Ernest can e-mail me for a copy of the funds and where they are going. Come on! get involved ! If you have ideas write me. I'm determined to do what I can. don't turn your head to these kids . its the season of giving. Save a buck for those who went to bat for you. If you all just give a buck and pass this on. We will be able to make a difference. Thnx SSNUFFY
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Problems with Anti-bacterials
Through extensive advertising, manufacturers attempt to convince consumers that the're in battle with tiny invaders and must use specific antimicrobial products to protect their health. Studies suggest that the widespread use of antimicrobial chemicals may be causing these products to lose their effectiveness.
Triclosan is a common active ingredient found in modern antibacterial products. Most other engineered antibacterial agents are designed to attack organic functions of bacteria. Triclosan specifically inhibits the production of a fatty acid vital to life within bacterial cells. The problem is, bacteria that survive the introduction of Triclosan can mutate into a new strain that resists the antimicrobial chemical's effects.
How can bacteria resist the antimicrobial onslaught? Dr. Stuart B. Levy, of the Tufts School of Medicine in Boston, believes the answer lies in residual amounts of the agent that stick around after application. For those bacteria that survive, this residual soup is like one big sink-or-swim training camp. The bacteria mutate and adapt to ward off future attacks by their enemy. Microbiologists call this process selection -- those microbes that live are selected to go on to mutate and reproduce.
What's worse, some antibacterial agents go after the same physiology of bacteria that prescription antibiotics do. This means that if a particular strain of bacteria develops a resistance to an antibacterial agent in a household cleaner, it will also be resistant to similar attacks from prescription antibiotics. Microbiologists call this cross-resistance.
Other scientific studies show that some bacteria get tougher as they adapt. As Levy's report shows, although some antibacterial soaps contain an average of 2,500 micrograms of Triclosan, they still may not be enough to kill even the hardiest mutated bacteria.
In one study, researchers applied soap containing 150 micrograms of triclosan to a strain of wild (unmutated) E. coli -- bacteria commonly found in raw food. The results showed that it took a full two hours for the agent to kill 90 percent of the bacteria. It took two to four times as much triclosan under the same conditions to kill 90 percent of a mutated strain.
And adding antimicrobial chemicals to soap may be particularly ineffective. When researchers in the same study exposed the same strain of E. coli to just six micrograms of triclosan by itself, it killed as much of the bacteria in the same amount of time [source: Levy].
Overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial cleaners may also be responsible for an increase of allergies.
Antibacterial Allergies
A 2005 study found that more than half of the American population has an allergic reaction to at least one of 10 common allergens [source: AAAAI]. Some microbiologists suspect that the emergence of the antibacterial lifestyle may be responsible.
From birth, people are bombarded by unseen microbial life, which biologists call environmental flora. These little organisms are everywhere: in dirt, on countertops, in the air and even in your own body. While some cause infection, the majority are benign. Some are even helpful, like lactobacillus, which aids in our digestion of food and kills other, harmful bacteria.
Since there are a lot more flora than there are people, the human body has developed a way of warding off infection and allergies caused by microbial life. The human body's T-helper cells generate an immunoresponse to invasions by microbes. There are two types of T-helper cells: T-H1 cells help other cells form their own defenses against microbial invaders. T-H2 cells oversee the production of antibodies, which attack and kill foreign microbes that have entered the body.
Put together, these two types of helper cells are the reason you don't die whenever someone sneezes on you or you cut your finger. They are also the reason why you don't suffer constant allergic reactions whenever you breathe.
To work correctly, these helper cells must encounter microbes and allergens. The inoculations you get as a child are actually dead or weakened strains of microbes introduced into your system that your body uses to build its defenses against other, similar strains. In a household that relies heavily on antibacterial agents, a child's immune system may not get a chance to encounter enough allergens to produce the proper antibodies and defenses against them. The antimicrobial agents used in the home will have killed most of the allergens first.
While a parent can control his or her household, he or she can't sanitize the whole world. Once a child leaves an overly santized home, his or her underdeveloped immune system will be exposed to a host of microbes and allergens.
Even resisting personal overuse of antimicrobial chemicals may not prevent you from coming in contact with them. Antibiotics may be present in the food you eat and in the water you drink.
Modern agribusinesses use antibiotics to keep their livestock healthy. These antibiotics remain in the meat from those animals that makes it to the dinner table. And runoff from livestock yards and processing plants can make its way into groundwater and other sources from which people draw water.
Should antimicrobial agents be banned? That may be a bit premature. Read the next page to find out why the jury's still out.
Testing Antibacterial Soap
In July 2000, the Emerging Infectious Diseases Conference in Atlanta, featured several presentations concerning the relationship between the antibacterial lifestyle and the emergence of resistant bacteria. One of the presenters was Stuart B. Levy, who presented a paper entitled "Antibacterial Household Products: A Cause for Concern."
In his paper, Levy details studies which suggest that people may be at the threshold of a world where bacteria -- due to the use of antibacterial products and misused antibiotics -- may overtake people's ability to kill them.
Five years later, Levy was part of another study with five colleagues in his field where the findings were very different. The scientists divided 224 households into two categories: those that were given antibacterial products and those that were not. The study took place over the course of one year, and looked at families with similar backgrounds.
A 2005 study found no significant difference in the presence of resistant bacteria between households using antibacterial products and those using non-antibacterial products.
What the researchers found is that there was no significant difference in the amount of bacteria killed by the use of antibacterial soap over regular soap. They also found that there was no significant increase in the presence of resistant bacteria in the homes that used antibacterial products.
These findings were surprising. First, the study says that antibacterial soap is no better at killing germs than regular soap. It also says that the bacteria didn't mutate into super bacteria in the homes that used antibacterial soap. The study, entitled "Antibacterial Cleaning Products and Drug Resistance," contained one caveat: One year may not have been enough for the study to be conclusive [source: Aiello].
Sure enough, two years later, some of the same researchers from the 2005 study tried another study. Again, the researchers found that antibacterial soap showed no advantage over plain soap in its ability to kill bacteria. But they also collected data that suggested bacteria are indeed becoming increasingly cross-resistant as a result of antibacterial use.
Is it time to panic? The results are inconclusive. Although microbiologists can chart the mutation of some bacteria as a result of their exposure to antibacterial agents, this has only been done in a laboratory setting, and not in the real world. Still, scientists believe that bacterial mutation may be inevitable and continue their studies.
So what's the best way to fight germs? Sometimes the old ways are still the best ways. Read the next page to learn about the wonders of -- soap.
Antibacterial Soap vs Regular Soap
Sometimes plain old soap and other tried-and-true cleaning agents can work just as well as today's antibacterial products. Good, old-fashioned soap may not say "antibacterial" on its label, but it still kills germs. Sometimes it does a better job than antibacterial soap.
In addition, soap isn't the only thing that kills bacteria -- there are many naturally occurring antibacterial agents. Lemon juice, for example, changes the pH level in bacterial cells, creating an acidic environment in which microbes can't survive. Other naturally antibacterial substances dry cells out, killing the bacteria (bacteria most commonly thrive in moist environments). Still others, like bleach and alcohol completely obliterate the cells of the bacteria. Unlike the targeted attack of antimicrobial agents, bleach and alcohol simply cause the cells to lyse, or rupture.
Courtesy Dr. Bronner'sDr. Bronner's Magic Soap, an organic soap.
Why haven't bacteria adapted to the agents found in bleach, alcohol and lemon juice? The reason why bacteria aren't resistant to these agents is because they do not leave a residue. There is no chance for surviving bacteria to adapt within the residual environment, so bacteria are just as susceptible to bleach and alcohol as they were 100 years ago. Skip the antimicrobial smart bomb and go for the big bleach blockbuster.
So what do we do to ward off superbacteria? Fortunately, the same rules to cleanliness still apply. The 2005 study showed that illness decreased among household members who washed their hands more, with or without antibacterial soap [source: Aiello]. Practicing good hygiene habits, like using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and staying away from people who have a cold, are still as valid as ever. And Stuart Levy assures us that if we take our antibiotics properly, the state of environmental flora will return to "what it was before the antibiotic/antibacterial onslaught" [source: Levy].
So stay well, stay warm and dry, and start rehearsing your ABCs while you wash your hands.
Triclosan is a common active ingredient found in modern antibacterial products. Most other engineered antibacterial agents are designed to attack organic functions of bacteria. Triclosan specifically inhibits the production of a fatty acid vital to life within bacterial cells. The problem is, bacteria that survive the introduction of Triclosan can mutate into a new strain that resists the antimicrobial chemical's effects.
How can bacteria resist the antimicrobial onslaught? Dr. Stuart B. Levy, of the Tufts School of Medicine in Boston, believes the answer lies in residual amounts of the agent that stick around after application. For those bacteria that survive, this residual soup is like one big sink-or-swim training camp. The bacteria mutate and adapt to ward off future attacks by their enemy. Microbiologists call this process selection -- those microbes that live are selected to go on to mutate and reproduce.
What's worse, some antibacterial agents go after the same physiology of bacteria that prescription antibiotics do. This means that if a particular strain of bacteria develops a resistance to an antibacterial agent in a household cleaner, it will also be resistant to similar attacks from prescription antibiotics. Microbiologists call this cross-resistance.
Other scientific studies show that some bacteria get tougher as they adapt. As Levy's report shows, although some antibacterial soaps contain an average of 2,500 micrograms of Triclosan, they still may not be enough to kill even the hardiest mutated bacteria.
In one study, researchers applied soap containing 150 micrograms of triclosan to a strain of wild (unmutated) E. coli -- bacteria commonly found in raw food. The results showed that it took a full two hours for the agent to kill 90 percent of the bacteria. It took two to four times as much triclosan under the same conditions to kill 90 percent of a mutated strain.
And adding antimicrobial chemicals to soap may be particularly ineffective. When researchers in the same study exposed the same strain of E. coli to just six micrograms of triclosan by itself, it killed as much of the bacteria in the same amount of time [source: Levy].
Overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial cleaners may also be responsible for an increase of allergies.
Antibacterial Allergies
A 2005 study found that more than half of the American population has an allergic reaction to at least one of 10 common allergens [source: AAAAI]. Some microbiologists suspect that the emergence of the antibacterial lifestyle may be responsible.
From birth, people are bombarded by unseen microbial life, which biologists call environmental flora. These little organisms are everywhere: in dirt, on countertops, in the air and even in your own body. While some cause infection, the majority are benign. Some are even helpful, like lactobacillus, which aids in our digestion of food and kills other, harmful bacteria.
Since there are a lot more flora than there are people, the human body has developed a way of warding off infection and allergies caused by microbial life. The human body's T-helper cells generate an immunoresponse to invasions by microbes. There are two types of T-helper cells: T-H1 cells help other cells form their own defenses against microbial invaders. T-H2 cells oversee the production of antibodies, which attack and kill foreign microbes that have entered the body.
Put together, these two types of helper cells are the reason you don't die whenever someone sneezes on you or you cut your finger. They are also the reason why you don't suffer constant allergic reactions whenever you breathe.
To work correctly, these helper cells must encounter microbes and allergens. The inoculations you get as a child are actually dead or weakened strains of microbes introduced into your system that your body uses to build its defenses against other, similar strains. In a household that relies heavily on antibacterial agents, a child's immune system may not get a chance to encounter enough allergens to produce the proper antibodies and defenses against them. The antimicrobial agents used in the home will have killed most of the allergens first.
While a parent can control his or her household, he or she can't sanitize the whole world. Once a child leaves an overly santized home, his or her underdeveloped immune system will be exposed to a host of microbes and allergens.
Even resisting personal overuse of antimicrobial chemicals may not prevent you from coming in contact with them. Antibiotics may be present in the food you eat and in the water you drink.
Modern agribusinesses use antibiotics to keep their livestock healthy. These antibiotics remain in the meat from those animals that makes it to the dinner table. And runoff from livestock yards and processing plants can make its way into groundwater and other sources from which people draw water.
Should antimicrobial agents be banned? That may be a bit premature. Read the next page to find out why the jury's still out.
Testing Antibacterial Soap
In July 2000, the Emerging Infectious Diseases Conference in Atlanta, featured several presentations concerning the relationship between the antibacterial lifestyle and the emergence of resistant bacteria. One of the presenters was Stuart B. Levy, who presented a paper entitled "Antibacterial Household Products: A Cause for Concern."
In his paper, Levy details studies which suggest that people may be at the threshold of a world where bacteria -- due to the use of antibacterial products and misused antibiotics -- may overtake people's ability to kill them.
Five years later, Levy was part of another study with five colleagues in his field where the findings were very different. The scientists divided 224 households into two categories: those that were given antibacterial products and those that were not. The study took place over the course of one year, and looked at families with similar backgrounds.
A 2005 study found no significant difference in the presence of resistant bacteria between households using antibacterial products and those using non-antibacterial products.
What the researchers found is that there was no significant difference in the amount of bacteria killed by the use of antibacterial soap over regular soap. They also found that there was no significant increase in the presence of resistant bacteria in the homes that used antibacterial products.
These findings were surprising. First, the study says that antibacterial soap is no better at killing germs than regular soap. It also says that the bacteria didn't mutate into super bacteria in the homes that used antibacterial soap. The study, entitled "Antibacterial Cleaning Products and Drug Resistance," contained one caveat: One year may not have been enough for the study to be conclusive [source: Aiello].
Sure enough, two years later, some of the same researchers from the 2005 study tried another study. Again, the researchers found that antibacterial soap showed no advantage over plain soap in its ability to kill bacteria. But they also collected data that suggested bacteria are indeed becoming increasingly cross-resistant as a result of antibacterial use.
Is it time to panic? The results are inconclusive. Although microbiologists can chart the mutation of some bacteria as a result of their exposure to antibacterial agents, this has only been done in a laboratory setting, and not in the real world. Still, scientists believe that bacterial mutation may be inevitable and continue their studies.
So what's the best way to fight germs? Sometimes the old ways are still the best ways. Read the next page to learn about the wonders of -- soap.
Antibacterial Soap vs Regular Soap
Sometimes plain old soap and other tried-and-true cleaning agents can work just as well as today's antibacterial products. Good, old-fashioned soap may not say "antibacterial" on its label, but it still kills germs. Sometimes it does a better job than antibacterial soap.
In addition, soap isn't the only thing that kills bacteria -- there are many naturally occurring antibacterial agents. Lemon juice, for example, changes the pH level in bacterial cells, creating an acidic environment in which microbes can't survive. Other naturally antibacterial substances dry cells out, killing the bacteria (bacteria most commonly thrive in moist environments). Still others, like bleach and alcohol completely obliterate the cells of the bacteria. Unlike the targeted attack of antimicrobial agents, bleach and alcohol simply cause the cells to lyse, or rupture.
Courtesy Dr. Bronner'sDr. Bronner's Magic Soap, an organic soap.
Why haven't bacteria adapted to the agents found in bleach, alcohol and lemon juice? The reason why bacteria aren't resistant to these agents is because they do not leave a residue. There is no chance for surviving bacteria to adapt within the residual environment, so bacteria are just as susceptible to bleach and alcohol as they were 100 years ago. Skip the antimicrobial smart bomb and go for the big bleach blockbuster.
So what do we do to ward off superbacteria? Fortunately, the same rules to cleanliness still apply. The 2005 study showed that illness decreased among household members who washed their hands more, with or without antibacterial soap [source: Aiello]. Practicing good hygiene habits, like using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and staying away from people who have a cold, are still as valid as ever. And Stuart Levy assures us that if we take our antibiotics properly, the state of environmental flora will return to "what it was before the antibiotic/antibacterial onslaught" [source: Levy].
So stay well, stay warm and dry, and start rehearsing your ABCs while you wash your hands.
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