Gut DESTROYER living in your medicine cabinet?

Your medicine cabinet.

The bathroom safe haven where all the things that keep you clean, hygienic, and healthy live.

After all, I don’t know a soul that opens his or her medicine cabinet and thinks to themselves…

Should I be WORRIED about anything in here?

Well, according to a shocking finding… it turns out that, in fact, something in your medicine cabinet RIGHT NOW could contribute to detrimental gut damage!
 
Here’s everything you need to know… including a healthier and safer alternative.

According to a study published in Nature Communications, triclosan – an antimicrobial found in some toothpastes – can trigger gut inflammation.

First made as a pesticide, triclosan has actually been around since the 1960s. But in recent years, it made its way into a wide range of personal care items…

Triclosan is best known for killing germs. This is why you’ll find it in most hand soaps and body washes.

Triclosan also kills bacteria, so most toothpaste manufacturers use it in their products – with FDA approval – since it has been found to help prevent gingivitis.

But new lab and animal studies have identified specific gut microbial enzymes, notably gut microbial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) proteins. And when combined with triclosan they can wreak havoc on your gut – contributing to colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

And though these findings are based off lab and animal studies… it doesn’t mean you should completely ignore triclosan in your toothpaste.

But how do you know if your toothpaste contains triclosan?

According to a statement from the FDA, fluoride toothpastes are considered OTC drugs. If an OTC drug contains triclosan, it should be listed as an ingredient on the label, in the ‘Drug Facts’ box.

So, if you’re wary of the effects of triclosan, take a look at your toothpaste and if it says it contains triclosan, consider tossing it out.

Instead, the next time you’re shopping for toothpaste, look for varieties that are triclosan-free – there are plenty of them!

You can also talk with your dentist about recommendations for toothpastes that are free of triclosan.

To a healthy mouth and gut,
Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Medical Xpress. “Study reveals how triclosan, likely found in toothpaste, is triggered to harm the gut.” https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-01-reveals-triclosan-toothpaste-triggered-gut.html

Brody, Barbara. “The Truth About Triclosan.” https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/what-is-triclosan

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “5 Things to Know About Triclosan.” https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-triclosan