Sanitizer spray... hand wipes... these days they are everywhere... What is a natural girl to do?  The main stream brands are either alcohol based or alcohol-free, which is often promoted as less drying.  However the main ingredients in the mainstream alcohol-free varieties, benzalkonium chloride and triclosan, both raise "red flags" as there is both concern about the use (and over-use) of these chemicals contributing to the increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria (super bugs). and the destructive effect of these getting into the environment, in ever increasing amounts.  

In the natural food stores, you can find alternatives that are free of these chemicals.  However use of anything anti-bacterial, even the alcohol based options can have a down side.  The alcohol and other anti-bacterial agents, do not discriminate and can be harmful to both beneficial and detrimental bacteria alike.  We all have protective strains of flora that live on our skin and in our gut.  Use and especially overuse of alcohol wipes can take a negative toll on these friendly varieties.   And beyond that, alcohol does not kill all strains.  There are certain viruses that are not destroyed by the use of alcohol based sanitizer, so a false sense of security can arise in the "user."

What did we do when we were kids?  There was no sanitizer, no alcohol wipes (except maybe in a first aid kit, but not in everyone's purse!)  And were we sicker?  Not likely... Our bodies are amazingly resilient and resistant, relatively speaking.  

I admit I love the luxury of having wipes in my purse (My favorite natural variety is produced by the brand EO and they are lavender scented, alcohol based wipes, with the most ideal ingredients that I have found in similar products, and I keep looking!).  And I feel better when my girls wipe  their hands  when we are out and about, before eating a snack.  But I probably rely on them too much. as I find myself reaching for  them even at home, to "sanitize" a small child's toy or wipe  an area quickly and could stand to step back and  say to myself... "Does this really require wiping?  Really?"  

So in a nutshell, use wipes in moderation, seek the "cleanest" ingredients ( meaning most :"green" because of course wipes are all about clean....), and know that people survived, for the most part, without them for centuries!

Now before you go,  I am going to invite you, the reader, to help determine  what topics this blog addresses.  Come play "Ask the Nutritionist" and send me your questions,  or pick a topic  related to natural remedies or healing  that you would like addressed, or some other holistic lifestyle related topic.  Just click on Comments and you will  be directed as to what to do next.  Feedback is fun  and helpful.  Lets make this blog interactive!