The CSIRO warns our gut microbiome is at risk from too much alcohol-based sanitiser. So, where possible, wash your hands with soap and water.
Our gut has a strong interaction with our immune system. 70–80 percent of our immune cells live in our gut. When a virus, such as COVID-19 enters our body, the immune system is the body’s way to fight this invasion. In fact, recent research has shown the important role of the gut microbiome in the development of the immune system as well as the response against infections.
Unfortunately, alcohol, the key ingredient in hand sanitisers, does not discriminate when it comes to good and bad bacteria. While we are not suggesting you stop using hand sanitiser, we do recommend prioritising washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible. And only using sanitiser when soap and water is not available. Not only does soap and water kill more germs than sanitiser, it is also more friendly on your skin and your microbiome.
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Oh no, what does this mean for drinking alcohol? Watch here.