These days, consumers are more aware of harmful substances in commercial products than ever. From cleaners to toiletries and even food, consumers’ growing demand for non-toxic products is leading to safer, healthier goods.
But, we’re yet to discover all the toxic substances in commercial products, as we learned from a recent study from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF). The results of this study revealed that commercial dishwashers could be sabotaging your gut health even before you fill your plate with nutritious, gut-loving foods.
Read on to learn more about the findings of this study and how they can help you better protect your gastrointestinal health.
The Toxic Effect of Commercial Rinse Aids
Many commercial rinse aids contain alcohol ethoxylate. The rinse aid is applied to dishes during a washing and drying cycle. Many appliances don’t complete another wash cycle after this step, leaving the rinse aid to dry on the dishes and make its way into your meal.
Why is this so concerning to researchers? The answer comes down to the effects of alcohol ethoxylate on the gastrointestinal tract. The aforementioned SIAF study found that alcohol ethoxylate in commercial rinse agents disrupted intestinal epithelial cells. In high doses, the rinse agents killed the epithelial cells; in lower doses, they increased the cells’ permeability.
The gut’s epithelial barrier is a group of cells that lines the intestinal tract and manages the substances that enter the body. Defects in the gut’s epithelial barrier have been linked to numerous chronic conditions, including food allergies, obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic depression.
Protecting Your Gut
So, what does this mean for your daily load of dishes? Cezmi Akdis, the leader of the SIAF study, believes that public awareness is key. Shop for a rinse aid that’s free of alcohol ethoxylate, and take other steps to protect your gut, such as taking supplements and considering colon hydrotherapy for a thorough detox.
Schedule an appointment at Body Flow Wellness to start your journey to a healthier gut.