The secret of the little Australian hygiene

Welcome to ask the doctor. ZAC, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr. Zac Turner explains if it is possible to be very clean.

Question: Hello Dr. ZAC, is it possible to be very clean? I really like to take care of my health and purity rated inside and outside. I eat well and exercise regularly, but I also really enjoy long showers, hair and manicure masks, nasal cleansing, ear candles, works. I have even been known to have a colony. It feels great. Being clean is my favorite type of care. But some of my friends think that I go a little bit on board with my regular colonies – they said I needed an intervention. So I want to know, what is essential and what is a lot? Tell me I’m not the only one. â € ” Bianca, 31, Golden Coast

Reply: Thank you very much for this excellent question, Bianca.

In today’s world, self -care and personal hygiene have become the main advantage for many people, with an endless set of trends that promise everything, from skin to the detoxified interior.

But while maintaining good hygiene is undoubtedly important, the line between being healthy and going on board can sometimes be unclear.

With some new and unusual practices becoming more common, it is easy to wonder: where do we draw the line between useful and excess?

Let’s take a closer look at the growing hygiene fabrications, explore their potential risks, and help you understand what practices are really worth your time – and which can push your body to the border.

Basics: How pure is it clean enough?

Let’s start with essential.

You’ve heard it a thousand times before: brush your hands, brush your teeth, take a shower, stay fresh. And of course, you know the exercise – good hygiene keeps the bacteria, viruses and the aroma of the body in the breast.

A daily routine of showering, brushing your teeth and hand washing is your first line of protection against nasts in the world.

Plus, a good routine can do wonders for your mental health. You feel fresh, feel good and your skin will not play (unless you have forgotten your sun cream during a four-hour beach-you will not lie, we have all been there).

But here is the thing, folks: just because you have taken your hygiene routine down, does not mean that you have to go to choke full on any trend that appears.

Some of these Fads -health Fadsâ may be more harmful than useful.

Weaknesses of her excess: Hygiene was wild wild

You may not be aware, but go on board with your hygiene practices may be confusing with your skin, your body and maybe even the wisdom of your friends (but this other story).

Let’s look at some of the most exterior practices that are appearing.

Buckle in.

Colonic irrigation: Cleaning the colon

First – colonics.

Ah, old – I have to detoxify my entire routine of my system.

Colonics (or enemas or colon hydrotherapy) are traded as a way to get rid of your body from toxins, and while some people swear by them, science will not support them.

A 2016 compilation found that these water -based cleanings do not do much more than to give you a risk of dehydration, infections and bowel perforations (yes, this is as bad as it sounds).

Think like this: your colon is perfectly capable of cleaning yourself. This has been doing it for centuries. No need to “Helpâ”

Nasal cleaning: clear nose, clear life?

Next – nasal irrigation.

Neti pot and salt sprays are all rage, especially for anyone with chronic sinus issues. And here’s the thing – these tools actually work if used properly.

They help clean the mucus and allergens, and studies support their effectiveness (2020 Cochrane Review).

But “and this is great, but” the use of tap water instead of sterile water can lead to a potentially deadly infection. So, before you go shaking a pot high in the nose like a crazy scientist, remember to use clean water.

Believe me, your sinuses will thank you.

Ear candle: a hot mess

Oh, candles in the ear.

You’ve seen the pictures: people who illuminate a long candle and wax in their ears, hoping that they will be € œDRAW outâ € € Earwax.

It sounds like something you will do after some drinks a lot of a Saturday night.

But don’t be fooled – ear candles are not only ineffective mainly (believe me, no wax is coming out of your ear canal), but can also lead to burns, drilled ears and other bad injuries.

Your ears are doing well for themselves, people. Let them do their job.

But for some extra TLC, a soft rinsing under the shower tap or a ear syringe will make cheek.

Vaginal steaming: If Gwyneth Paltrow is doing it – should you?

Now, let’s talk about Gwyneth Paltrow’s famous vaginal evaporation.

It is exactly what sounds like – sitting in a bowl of steam herb to œ œCleanseâ Your vagina. Now, maybe for some, it may sound relaxing-but here is the thing: the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.

There is no need to be in steam or caress. In fact, this practice can actually cause burns, irritations and disrupt your delicate balance of vaginal bacteria.

So while your bathroom day may sound divine, maybe leave this from the itinerary. The vagina knows what you are doing.

Pulling of oil: Washing the mouth on the steroid?

Oil attracting is another trend that is swelling.

The idea is simple: coconut oil around your mouth for 10-15 minutes to remove toxins and improve oral health.

It sounds like something that a Wellness guru can recommend, and there is some evidence that can reduce bad bacteria in your mouth.

But let it be clear – it does not replace washing and friction. Unlike a toothbrush, pulling the oil does not physically remove the plaque.

So while swill some coconut oil can feel decorated, it is not a replacement for your toothbrush, people.

Dry washing: Exfoliate as a warrior

Dry washing is another popular practice where you use a solid brush to exterminate your skin in front of a shower.

It is said to improve circulation, remove dead skin cells and increase lymphatic drainage.

While a little dry brush will not harm, and can even help circulate, is not the cure of miracles that some influencers make it.

If you have skin or sensitive conditions such as eczema, you may want to give it a passage. Sometimes, softer is better.

Crystal face masks: Is your skin really feeling love?

Yes, you read it right. The idea is that certain quarters (think of rose quartz, amethyst, etc.) can help heal and balance.

While I’m all to feel Zen, let’s be honest – there is no real science after the idea that crystals can do much more than make your bathroom look mystical.

But hey, if you bring you joy, who am I to say no?

So while it is important to stay informed, knowing when you say “thank you, but not thanks” is essential. And hey, if you really feel that vibe mask for the crystal face, go ahead.

Only you probably don’t replace it with a colon you clean next time.

Your bowel – and your friends – will thank you.

Do you have a question? askdrzac@conciergedoctors.com.au

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Dr. Zac Turner is a physician specializing in preventive health and health. It has four degrees of health/medical – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Queensland Central University, and Bachelor of Biomject Sciences at the University of the Sunshine. He is a recorder for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a doctorate in biomedical engineering (UNSW). Dr. Zac is the medical director for his Holistic Wellness Medical clinics throughout Australia, goalkeeper doctors.