“Wash your hands, wash your hands!” No problem with this message. We get it, and we’re doing it. But then there’s its companion message: “When you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer!” Turns out, with this message, there IS a problem.


According to the FDA, one of the biggest problems with antibacterial sanitizers is, THEY DON’T WORK. The FDA says: “...there simply isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial sanitizers are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. Same goes for antibacterial soaps. To date, the benefits of using either of these haven’t been proven.”

Not only do they not work, they actually create negative health outcomes. Triclosan and other ingredients found in these products alter how hormones work, and even promote colonization of staph bacteria.


Worse still, antibacterial sanitizers/soaps create bacteria resistance, leading to superbugs resistant to antibiotics. So, if antibacterial products aren’t the answer, what should you use and do instead?

HEALTHIER HAND SANITIZER (DR. BRONNER’S or EO). Both contain over 60% ethanol to adequately kill germs. Or DIY; be sure you use over 60% ethanol, or it won’t work/CDC’s recommendations. Here’s a best DIY hand sanitizer recipe (repeated from the Mar 20, 2020 Cook’n newsletter). And by the way, one of our readers, Terrellgram, wrote in that if you can’t find commercial aloe vera gel, just use some from a live aloe plant—a better option anyway!




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SOAP! Opt for a classic soap (a liquid over a bar, so you don’t touch it and spread germs more easily). DR. BRONNER’S PURE CASTILLE SOAP is my go-to. Stock up with large bottles for your home, or get the small ones in multiple scents to keep in your handbag or for when you travel.


HOME CLEANING SOLUTION: VINEGAR + WATER. Besides ditching antibacterial products for your body, ditch ALL antibacterial solutions in your home (incl. cleaning products). To make your own DIY cleaning solution, combine water and white vinegar in a 2:1 ratio with your preferred essential oils.


USE A NETI POT to keep your nasal passages healthy.

ADD HERBS TO YOUR DIET: Astragalus, schizandra, lomatium, echinecea, maca powder, turmeric, and ginger.

ADD CERTAIN NUTRIENTS TO KEEP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG:

PROPOLIS. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. A sticky mix of plant and tree resins that bees use to protect their hives, it’s also antioxidant-rich, with over 300 beneficial vitamins, minerals, and compounds. Plus, propolis spray prevents free radical damage in periods of high stress.


ZINC. It’s an essential trace element found and used by every cell in the body. You only need tiny amounts. It’s needed for growth, maintenance, and numerous biological functions – including hormone creation and balance. It’s a major boon to the immune system, especially when partnered w/vitamins D3 and C. (White spots on nails are a sign of deficiency.) Don’t exceed 50 mg/day. It’s found in red meat, shellfish, legumes, pumpkin and sesame seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs, whole grains, potatoes (sweet and regular), and dark chocolate.

VITAMIN C. It supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens; it promotes the oxidant scavenging activity of the skin, thereby protecting against environmental oxidative stress. In addition to supporting healthy immune function, it helps maintain healthy veins, capillaries, skin, hair and nails by supporting normal collagen production and repair. Take it at the level that your body best tolerates, so go up until you experience loose stools. (By the way: Zinc helps the body absorb vitamin C efficiently and thoroughly). Foods high in C are broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.


VITAMIN D3. We all this sunshine vitamin is essential to health, but most people are highly deficient in vitamin D3. Vitamin D can modulates immune responses. Deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity and an increased susceptibility to infection. You want vitamin D levels of 60 to 80 ng/ml. If your levels are below 60 ng/ml, a dose of vitamin D3 in the range of 5,000 to 8,000 IU/day is recommended. Food sources include tuna, mackerel, salmon, some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, fortified cereals, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks.

VITAMIN B12. This helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. Foods high in vitamin B12 are animal liver and kidneys (I’d rather be run over by a truck, thank you), clams, sardines, beef, fortified cereals, tuna, fortified nutritional yeast, trout, salmon, fortified non-dairy milk, dairy products, and eggs.


ASTRAGALUS. Also known as “huáng qí,” its main health benefits include immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking bone broth is a nourishing way to boost your immunity, so go ahead and infuse your bone broth with astragalus to boost its effects. Do not take astragalus when you are already ill, as this potent herb could make you feel worse.

OMEGA 3 FATS (including DHA). Flax, hemp, and chia seeds; fatty fish; seaweed; and krill and cod liver oil are high in omega 3 fats.