Household chemicals decide infection risk
We are living fear-driven life nowadays. We sail into sea of chemicals around. It starts with soaps, toothpastes, deoderants, hand wash, face wash, shampoo, sanitizers, detergent and the list goes on. The sea of chemicals act as epigenetic factors for controlling our body. It triggers negative cycles in various ways. Sometimes, these toxic chemicals directly impact, otherwise via different mediums like gut microbes.
At Washington state university[1], A team of researchers for the first time has found a correlation between the levels of bacteria and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract of children and the amount of common chemicals found in their home environment.
When the researchers looked at the levels of fungi and bacteria in the gut, they found that children who had higher levels of the chemicals in their bloodstream showed differences in their gut microbiome. Children with higher levels of PFASs in their blood had a reduction in the amount and diversity of bacteria, while increased levels of phthalates were associated with a reduction in fungi populations.
High phthalates =⇒ Reduced Fungi
At the same time, there are research showing link between gut microbes and viral infections[2][3]
If we think in terms of Ayurveda, if environment is full of toxnis, we will consume it too (Via food\air\water) and when the toxins are in body, they vitiate all three doshas and subsequently invite sickneses. It accelerates aging too. Aging itself is a king of disease (जरा) which invites more and more व्याधिs.
It is in our and next generation’s best interest to reduce usage of chemicals at home. Alternatives are always there – use mitto, gobar ash, gau mutra for different cleaning procedures.
