12/18/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo
Parents only want what’s best for their children, which is why they often go overboard when it comes to cleaning everything that their children may come into contact with. But what if your cleaning products are actually the ones harming your children? A recent study by Canadian researchers found that disinfectants and other common household products can alter the microbiome of children.
Not all bacteria are bad. There are also millions of beneficial bacteria residing in the gut that are involved in maintaining overall health. Countless studies have shown that these good bacteria improve nutrient absorption, immune functions, mental health, heart health, and weight. However, these benefits can only be observed if there is the right balance between the two types of bacteria. Otherwise, pathogenic bacteria will negatively impact a person’s health. Children are especially vulnerable to pathogens because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. This highlights the importance of taking care of their microbiome either by giving them probiotic and prebiotic foods or by reducing their exposure to substances that can compromise their gut bacteria.
In this study, the researchers analyzed the microbiome of 757 babies based on the microbes present in their fecal matter. They also determined how often disinfectants and other household cleaning products were used in their home. Results showed that frequent use of disinfectants significantly altered the gut flora. This was exhibited by the increased levels of Lachnospiraceae bacteria in fecal matter. Moreover, children from homes that frequently use disinfectants also had a higher body mass index when they grew older.
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On the contrary, no changes in microbiome composition were observed in children who came from households that used eco-friendly products. They were also less likely to be overweight. These results point toward the possibility that changes in microbiome are responsible for the increased risk of obesity in children who are constantly exposed to harmful disinfectants.
Overall, these results prove that it’s best to be careful about what products you use at home since these could lead to serious health consequences. (Related: Many cleaning products, especially those billed as “antibacterial,” contain toxic chemicals that cause physical damage.)
If you want to reduce your family’s exposure to harmful disinfectants, here are some natural cleaning products that you can use instead:
For more articles about the different health problems that harmful household products cause, visit Products.news.
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Tagged Under: Antibiotics, chemicals, children's health, cleaning products, disinfectant, gun health, gut bacteria, microbiome, obesity risk, toxic chemicals, toxic ingredients, toxins