Alternatives of Triclosan
Major health problems can occur whether we ingest triclosan knowingly or unknowingly. It is preferable to use natural ingredients to kill bacteria rather than anti-bacterial products. The practices which can be used as an alternative to triclosan are:
- Using triclosan-free handwashes and soaps.
- Tea tree, grapefruit, and pine oils are all naturally antimicrobial.
- Turmeric powder is also well known for its antibacterial properties. As a result, using a small amount of turmeric powder in foods is advised.
- Lemon is also beneficial to human health, as it aids in the elimination of a bacterium that causes pneumonia and blood infections.
- Honey is also one of the best anti-bacterial agents available.
- Ginger is also a great ingredient to use in our food because it adds flavour while also killing bacteria.
- Pineapple is one of the best fruits to consume raw or in juice form to help kill bacteria in our mouth and throat.
- Many doctors recommend eating carrots twice a day as it helps to flush bacteria from our intestines.
- Washing our hands before and after eating, drying our hands with a clean towel.
- Rinsing our clothes regularly.
- Washing children’s toys in hot water.
These are some of the best alternatives to Triclosan that we can use in our daily lives.
Triclosan: Uses and Side Effects
Triclosan, also known as TCS, is an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient that is added to many consumer products in order to prevent and reduce bacterial contamination. It is also used in soaps, toothpaste, toys, and surgical instruments. Triclosan’s usage and mechanism of action are very similar to Triclocarban’s. Triclocarban, also known as TCC, is an antibacterial chemical that is used in soaps, detergents, and toothpaste.
In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration conducted extensive research on the effectiveness of triclosan in toothpaste and discovered that it was very effective in reducing gingivitis. Gingivitis, in general, is a disease that causes inflamed gums. Studies have shown that high levels of Triclosan exposure reduce thyroid hormone levels. It has already been shown to be very effective in reducing bacterial infections in some products. Though companies will no longer be able to use Triclosan on their products without pre-market review and approval. The main reason is that there is no clear-cut evidence that Triclosan is not harmful to human health.