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In daily life, who would have thought that a small piece of soap would hide a mystery?
Not only can it harm our skin, but it can also become a silent "liver-harming" accelerator.
Recently, a study conducted by the Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has attracted widespread attention.
Researchers have found that the widely available antibacterial soap contains a chemical called triclosan, which can not only cause skin problems, but also pose a serious threat to liver health.
Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that has been widely used in personal care products since the 60s of the 20th century. Its antimicrobial effect is really excellent, and it can effectively kill many kinds of bacteria and fungi. It is this seemingly perfect property that has made triclosan the "darling" of many daily necessities such as soap, hand sanitizer, and toothpaste.
With the deepening of scientific research, the dark side of triclosan has gradually surfaced.
Dr. Zhang, a dermatologist, says: "Long-term use of triclosan-containing soaps may disrupt the normal balance of microflora on the surface of the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and even skin problems such as eczema. ”
Skin problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Even more worrying is the potential harm of triclosan to the liver.
A study by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that long-term exposure to triclosan may cause abnormal changes in liver cells and increase the risk of liver cancer. This study observed in laboratory animals that mice that were regularly exposed to triclosan were more likely to develop liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma than the control group.
Professor Li, a Chinese liver disease research expert, explained: "After triclosan enters the human body, most of it is metabolized by the liver. Long-term accumulation may cause chronic damage to the liver and increase the risk of liver disease. ”
This discovery is undoubtedly a wake-up call for many. The liver is the body's largest detoxification organ, and once damaged, the consequences are unimaginable.
Why does triclosan pose such a big threat to the liver?
It turns out that when triclosan enters the body, it is metabolized by the enzyme system in the liver. During this process, a portion of triclosan is converted into more toxic metabolites. Long-term exposure to these harmful substances can cause oxidative stress in liver cells, leading to DNA damage and cell death.
To make matters worse, studies have found that triclosan may also interfere with lipid metabolism in the liver. This means that long-term use of triclosan-containing products may increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
In the face of these troubling findings, regulators around the world are taking action.
In 2016, the United States FDA banned the use of triclosan in over-the-counter antibacterial soaps. The European Union also restricted the use of triclosan in personal care products in 2017.
China's National Medical Products Administration is also closely monitoring the issue. A regulator, who asked not to be named, revealed: "We are collecting and evaluating relevant research data and will make appropriate regulatory decisions based on scientific evidence." ”
Faced with such a situation, how can consumers protect themselves?
- Carefully review the ingredient list of the product. If you find that you have Triclosan, it is best to choose another alternative.
- Don't blindly pursue "antibacterial". Ordinary soap and water can effectively clean your hands without the need for special antibacterial ingredients.
- Choose soaps with natural ingredients. Handmade soaps made from vegetable oils such as coconut oil and olive oil not only cleanse well, but also moisturize the skin.
- Practice good hygiene. Proper handwashing is more important than using antimicrobial products.
Not all medical experts agree that the use of triclosan-containing products should be banned altogether. It is believed that triclosan is still necessary in some special occasions, such as hospitals, which require a high degree of disinfection.
Dr. Wang, director of the infectious disease department at a tertiary hospital in Beijing, said: "In an ordinary home environment, there is really no need to use triclosan-containing products. However, in healthcare settings, especially in some high-risk areas, the antimicrobial effect of triclosan is still important. The key is to find a balance between effectiveness and safety. ”
This view is also supported by some researchers. They believe that the benefits and harms of using triclosan should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, rather than a blanket ban.
Still, it is undoubtedly wise for the average consumer to choose a safer alternative. Health always comes first.
As people's concerns about health and environmental issues continue to grow, more and more consumers are looking for more natural and environmentally friendly personal care products. This trend has also promoted the development of related industries.
In recent years, there have been many products on the market that claim to be "triclosan-free". Consumers still need to be vigilant when making purchases. Some manufacturers may replace triclosan with other ingredients that have similar efficacy but are also questionable about their safety.
Ms. Chen, a senior cosmetics formulator, reminded, "Consumers should get into the habit of reading product ingredient lists. In addition to triclosan, it is also necessary to be wary of some potentially harmful ingredients, such as paraben preservatives, aluminum salts, etc. ”
A number of innovative companies are developing a new generation of safe antimicrobial technologies. For example, antimicrobial products that utilize silver ions or specific plant extracts have entered the market. These products claim to achieve good antimicrobial effects without causing harm to humans and the environment.
More research is needed to verify the long-term safety and efficacy of these emerging products. Until the scientific evidence is completely conclusive, experts advise consumers to be cautious.
Back to the topic of liver health. In fact, there are many ways we can protect liver health beyond avoiding triclosan-containing products.
Eating right is key. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and limit the intake of high-fat, high-sugar foods. Drink alcohol in moderation, preferably altogether. Maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late. Regular check-ups to detect potential liver problems early.
Exercise is also a great way to protect your liver. Moderate aerobic exercise can promote blood circulation in the liver and help the liver better perform its detoxification function. Get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
It's also important to maintain a good mindset. Long-term stress and anxiety may affect liver function. Learning to relax and engage in activities such as meditation or yoga can help relieve stress and indirectly protect liver health.
We should also be wary of other factors in our lives that can damage the liver. For example, drug abuse, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc., can cause liver damage. When using any medication or chemical, you should read the instructions carefully and follow your doctor's instructions.
Protecting your liver health requires us to start with every aspect of our daily lives. Stopping triclosan-containing soaps is just one small step, and it's more important to develop a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy liver is the cornerstone of a happy life. Start today by scrutinizing your home's personal care products and weeding out those potential "liver-hurting" accelerators. Choose safer, healthier alternatives to protect yourself and your family's health.
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