bad for your Microbiome

Household Products that are bad for your Microbiome

shane hunt

Household Items That May Disrupt Your Microbiome

1. Antibacterial Soaps & Hand Sanitizers

Why they’re an issue

  • Kill both bad and beneficial microbes
  • Triclosan (now restricted but still around) alters gut bacteria in animal studies
  • Alcohol overuse reduces microbial diversity

Smarter swaps

  • Plain soap and water
  • Fragrance-free castile soap
  • Use sanitizer only when needed, not constantly

2. Disinfecting Sprays & Wipes

(Clorox, Lysol, etc.)

Why

  • Broad-spectrum antimicrobials don’t discriminate
  • Inhalation + skin contact → indirect gut effects
  • Linked to microbiome changes and increased allergy risk in children

Better approach

  • Soap + water for daily cleaning
  • Vinegar (non-porous surfaces)
  • Hydrogen peroxide or steam for deeper cleans

3. Dishwasher & Dish Soaps (besides Cascade)

Why

  • Surfactants and preservatives can leave residues
  • Repeated ingestion (tiny amounts) may irritate gut lining
  • Pod films and rinse agents are common culprits

What to do

  • Use powder or tablet (not liquid pods)
  • Skip synthetic rinse aids
  • Extra rinse cycle if you’re sensitive

4. Air Fresheners & Scented Candles

Why

  • Fragrance chemicals = endocrine disruptors
  • Alter nasal and lung microbiomes → gut effects via immune signaling
  • Phthalates are a big offender

Alternatives

  • Open windows
  • Activated charcoal or baking soda
  • Essential oil diffuser (sparingly)

5. Laundry Detergents & Fabric Softeners

Why

  • Residue remains on clothes and bedding
  • Skin absorption → systemic exposure
  • Antimicrobial additives reduce microbial diversity

Better options

  • Fragrance-free detergents
  • Skip fabric softener
  • Wool dryer balls instead

6. Non-Stick Cookware (Damaged or Overheated)

Why

  • PFAS chemicals can disrupt gut bacteria
  • Linked to inflammation and metabolic changes

Safer swaps

  • Stainless steel
  • Cast iron
  • Ceramic (well-made, non-PFAS)

7. Plastic Food Containers & Wrap

Why

  • BPA, BPS, phthalates migrate into food
  • Shown to alter gut microbial balance
  • Especially problematic when heated

Best practice

  • Glass or stainless storage
  • No microwaving plastic

8. Mouthwash (Antiseptic Types)

Why

  • Kills beneficial oral bacteria
  • Oral microbiome affects nitric oxide production and gut health
  • Associated with insulin resistance when overused

Alternative

  • Saltwater rinse
  • Alcohol-free mouthwash
  • Just brushing + flossing

9. Pesticide-Based Home & Garden Products

Why

  • Glyphosate and others act like antibiotics in the gut
  • Selectively harm beneficial bacteria

Lower-exposure options

  • Mechanical weed removal
  • Natural pest control (diatomaceous earth, neem)

10. Ultra-Processed Foods (Stored at Home)

Not a “household item,” but lives there.

Why

  • Emulsifiers (polysorbate-80, carboxymethylcellulose) damage gut lining
  • Artificial sweeteners disrupt microbiome balance

Big Picture (Important)

You don’t need to live in a bubble.

The microbiome is resilient, but it struggles with:

  • Constant antimicrobial exposure
  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Low-fiber diets
  • Chronic stress

Small changes matter more than perfection.

 If You Want a “Top 5 to Change First”

  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Dishwasher detergent & rinse aids
  • Laundry detergent / fabric softener
  • Air fresheners
  • Plastic food storage

 

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