anti-bacterial soap... the great debate.

To use or not to use.  That is the current question.  Here's a funny fact about bacteria......The more they are exposed to anti bacterial chemicals, the more they build up resistance to them.  It's super important to only resort to taking antibiotics when absolutely necessary or they loose their effectiveness.  We are seeing a rise of what we call "super bugs" which are bacteria that have grown resistant to many antibiotics.  Regular use of antibacterial soaps is contributing to the emergence of these "super" bugs.  Here's a simple way to explain it.  When you take your first sip of alcohol, it only takes a tiny bit to make you fuzzy.  After you routinely consume said amount, you body regulates to a new normal.  Then, to achieve the same fuzzies, you need to consume more.  After that, you regulate again and it over time takes more and more and more to make you feel anything at all.  All that time, it is doing incredible damage to your body (and I bet your relationships too....  :) ).  In the same way, if you are constantly taking antibiotics, it will take stronger and stronger ones to be effective against infection in your body.  NOT TO MENTION all the antibiotics cows are pumped with to keep them from having raging mastitis.  All those meds make it into our bodies when we eat meat.  Just one of the reasons to choose organic meat.....and I digress.....
 When you are always using antibacterial soaps, in the same way, the bacteria on your skin will build up resistance to the germ killing power of the soap.
I know what you are thinking.... what about after using the bathroom?  I know.  I'm with ya there.  You know how doctors give you an antibiotic prescription and tell you to not stop taking it as soon as you feel better, that you need to finish the whole thing?  That's because they are most effective when taken fully.  If you kill the germs completely, they don't have the chance to become stronger.  The problem is when the aren't eradicated completely.  Now..... there is not a soap on the market that will kill 100% of the bacteria on your skin.  And if there was, I bet it would be horridly harsh on your hands.  There is a reason though that they tell you to wash for a full 20 seconds.  That's how long it takes the soap to be the most effective.  When you wash your hands quickly in cool water... you are essentially taking an antibiotic for less than the full amount of time.  Moral of the story:

If you must use antibacterial hand soap, wash your hands thoroughly in warm water for a FULL 20 seconds.  (Sing the ABCs)
For all other washings, regular soap and water will do.

Wanna use instant sanitizer?  Make your own.

Fill a small glass spray bottle with water, and add one drop each of the essential oils cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus.  Mix in five drops of lemon essential oil and one teaspoon of aloe vera gel.

There you have it!

(Recipe courtesy of Kiwi Magazine.)

For more info:
http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/super-bugs-created-fear/

http://www.naturalnews.com/030132_antibiotics_meat.html

http://www.grist.org/article/Industrial-meat-comes-with-antibiotics-and-endocrine-disruptors

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20).