Winter is definitely on its way, with the transition into Daylight Savings and frequent changes in temperature, our bodies welcome one more season: FLU SEASON!

The first thing most people do when hearing about Flu Season is to over protect themselves and to stock up on things that will keep them germ and virus free. Washing hands, as a basic hygiene principle should always be encouraged, especially with children, but do we need to use antibacterial soap to stay protected?

We strongly believe that antibacterial soaps bring more harm than benefits. Even before going into the details about toxic substances in any products with antibacterial properties, we could use the logic and the common sense to decide against it.

First of all, we do not live in a sterile world and we are not sterile ourselves. Humans rely greatly on the help of good bacteria that live everywhere around and even inside our bodies. Microflora is necessary for proper digestion and helps build resistance and immunity to many harmful agents. When we disrupt this balance we are interfering with our own health and allow for ourselves to become susceptible to illness. People increasingly become aware of the benefits of friendly bacteria, especially for their digestion, and they are willing to consume yogurt with probiotic culture or take Probiotics, containing Acidophilus and Bifidus cultures, as a supplement. Why do we need to kill bacteria then? What’s the point of using the antibacterial products?

Logically, antibacterial substances are capable of disrupting a fine ecological balance of beneficial bacteria on our skin, when we wash our hands or body with the antibacterial soap, or in our mouths, when we rinse with antibacterial mouthwash, in our nose and lungs, when we spray the surfaces in our kitchens or washrooms with antibacterial cleansing sprays. Regular use of antibacterial substances contributes to the development of germs that are resistant to antibiotics. Be aware, that using antibacterial soaps actually increases the risk of a serious infection that does not respond to antibiotics.

If you are not eager to take an antibiotic each time you get cold, you should apply the same logic when you buy and use products mentioned above. Do we still need to wash our hand and brush our teeth? Positively, yes! Natural soaps, toothpastes and household cleaners, which do not contain harsh chemicals, are healthy alternatives and widely available now.

The second reason to avoid use of antibacterial soap, as well as many other commercial personal hygiene products, are two toxic substances and at the same time key ingredients in most of them : Triclosan and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Triclosan, as an antiseptic, is supposed to be used in hospitals, when the sterility is a very important condition for prevention spreading the infection, but it is dangerous and unnecessary to use it every day. Triclosan belongs to a class of toxins called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which may affect human health by mimicking hormones. When used frequently and regularly, Triclosan can damage the thyroid gland and disrupt production of its hormones. In the long run, the toxin is believed to negatively impact reproductive organs, sperm quality, and the production of sex hormones as well.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) a foaming agent, used in many soaps, shampoos, detergents and toothpastes. SLS is a cheap, but toxic substance with carcinogenic and hormone mimicking effects. SLS is absorbed into the body from the skin and destroys the protective barrier of the skin by dissolving the oils of the skin and denatures skin proteins. This will cause dryness and allow harmful bacteria and environmental contaminants to easily access the lower layer of the skin.

Next time you wash your hands, brush your teeth or use your favourite shampoo or soap, take a closer look at the ingredients list and see for yourself how many toxic substances (any ingredients which are impossible to pronounce!) you are intentionally putting into your body. Drop by drop, time after time we are making ourselves not cleaner, but more toxic!

To keep your hands clean without subjecting yourself to harmful and harsh chemicals consider using natural soaps. South of France soaps, offered by Spring of Health, are made with 100% Vegetable oils including organic Shea Butter and natural essential oils which leave the skin feeling clean and fresh, without disrupting delicate natural balance of the skin surface. South Of France soaps DO NOT contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Triclosan!

The biggest misconception about getting sick, whether it be from the common cold, or the seasonal flu, is that it is solely the fault of the bacteria or virus. This becomes a small factor, but not entirely the reason. What is happening is that our bodies create the perfect environment for that illness to be able to thrive, and so we become sick. People who catch a cold or flu from a sick family member or a colleague, will confirm that they were already stressed, tired or overworked, which taxed their immune system and lowered their natural defences against infection. Add to that more toxic substances from every day exposure to antibacterial sanitizers and hand soaps and the perfect breeding ground for viral and bacterial infections is set!

The right thing to do when experiencing signs of weakness in your immune system is to settle down and listen to your body. If you are feeling tired and run down, it’s much more effective to take a day off and take that time to rest and recuperate rather than getting to a point of no return. We have all experienced being sick for far too long because we never have the time to fully recover—don’t waste time letting your immune system shut down but work with it.

NutriBiotic DefensePlus Tablets

A great way to keep your immune system healthy and going strong is use of proper supplements and herbs called adaptogens. For example, the perfect formula that combines vitamins and herbs that support immune system, as well as providing natural defence against infection is NutriBiotic Defence Plus. This product contains grapefruit seed extract called Citricidal® (a natural compound obtained from the seed and pulp of grapefruit), vitamin C, Astragalus, Echinacea extract, medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake), Ginger root, Goldenseal, and Yarrow. When it is taken when the first sign of immune system weakness appears, this product is effective as a prevention of cold and flu. Also it should be taken when other people in your surrounding are sick, coughing, sneezing and spreading germs. Defence Plus will boost your immune system and help you to stay resistant to infections around you.

Keep your bodies healthy and spirit high this Flu Season and do not miss out on the fun of winter!