A new study conducted in mice demonstrates precisely how triclosan, an antimicrobial found in toothpaste, toys, and thousands of other products, can trigger gut inflammation.
An international team of researchers led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Hong Kong Baptist University identified the bacteria, and even specific enzymes, that trigger triclosan’s harmful effects. Moreover, studies in mice suggest these bacterial enzymes can be blocked from driving intestinal damage.
“By identifying the culprit bacteria, new approaches could be developed for the diagnoses, prevention, and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases,” said study author Matthew Redinbo, a chemistry and microbiology professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill College of Arts & Sciences and UNC School of Medicine.
Previous research has shown triclosan’s toxicity, but the new study provides a closer look at the changes caused in the gut’s microscopic population.
Researchers connected specific gut microbial enzymes, notably gut microbial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) proteins, with triclosan and showed these enzymes drive triclosan to wreak havoc in the gut.
Knowing which bacterial proteins were the culprits, the team used a microbiome-targeted inhibitor to block triclosan processing in the gut. Blocking this process in mice prevented damage to the colon and symptoms of colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
The study provides new clues about management of IBD among the growing number of people diagnosed with the disease. IBD can be managed for long periods of time only to flare up out of seemingly nowhere.
Triclosan used to be widely available in antibacterial soaps marketed to consumers. But in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration ordered it removed from handwashing products used in homes and hospital settings because of concerns it contributed to more resistant bacteria.
But triclosan remains ubiquitous as an ingredient added to cosmetics, yoga mats and other athletic clothes and gear to reduce bacterial contamination. It’s also routinely used in many toothpastes – with FDA approval – since it has been found to prevent gingivitis.
Humanity existed for hundreds of thousands of years without chemically-induced toothpastes (or any other chemicals humans use for personal hygiene). People should use critical thinking skills and ponder that for a moment.
I've pretty much eliminated every modern personal hygiene product from my daily hygienic routine. I use soap sparingly (armpits, groin, feet) in the shower or when I wash my hands. I don't use shampoo or conditioner (about once every 2 months I will wash and condition my hair). I don't use deodorant (isopropyl alcohol applied after shower with cotton ball). I moisturize after shower with coconut oil. And I make my own toothpaste (coconut oil and baking soda).
You're probably thinking, "I bet this dude stinks." Maybe I do. I don't think I do. But, honestly I don't really care. Our ancestors probably stunk, too. Or maybe they didn't. Maybe they just smelled like humans. Dogs smell like dogs, right? Nonetheless, I'm not willing to use chemicals on my body just because that's what everyone else does. Humans haven't used these chemicals very long at all, so we really don't know how they're impacting our health. But we are constantly hearing about how the Science! has suddenly identified some chemical we have been using/ingesting causes illness, or is toxic.
As a matter of fact, the FDA recalls 4500 drugs every year.
I'm not offering advice, you handle your personal hygiene how you see fit. I'm just putting an idea out there for those capable of processing ideas logically.
And, for the record: I don't stink, I smell like a Man.
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