Is Hydrogen Peroxide Bad For You?
Short answer
Renowned for its many uses, hydrogen peroxide has been donned a staple in many homes. These uses range from oral health care to detoxification and even to wound care. Still is hydrogen peroxide, as popular as it is, bad for you? We think not.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Hydrogen peroxide comes in various grades. The pharmaceutical grade, 3.5%, is most common and can be found in your local supermarket or drugstore. This product is not recommended for internal use. It contains an assortment of stabilizers that must not be ingested. Various stabilizers include acetanilide, phenol, sodium stannate, and tetrasodium phosphate.
Hydrogen peroxide kills microorganisms through oxidization which can be best described as a controlled burning process. When it reacts with organic material, it breaks down into oxygen and water, meaning it is non-toxic for general use. Due to this, hydrogen peroxide is regarded as the world’s safest natural sanitizer. Hydrogen peroxide has been used to treat a great number of issues, here are some examples:
Oral Health. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent mouthwash. Fill the cap with the liquid, gargle for five to ten minutes and then spit it out. This helps to prevent canker sores from developing and also helps to keep the teeth white. It can also be used to make toothpaste. Simply add some of the solution to some baking soda and make a paste. Hydrogen peroxide acts as an anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent - therefore it is excellent for mouth care.
Douching. Instead having to go to the doctor for chronic cases of yeast infections, add two capfuls of pharmaceutical grade (3.5%) hydrogen peroxide in some warm water and drink once or twice a week.
Wound care. Hydrogen peroxide can be used medically to remove dead tissue and clean wounds. It also can be used to stop slow/small vessel wound bleeding. Apply/soak cuts or infections with the 3.5% hydrogen peroxide for five to ten times per day. Adding half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to baths also help with boils, skin infections and fungus.
Detoxification. Add two quarts of 3% Hydrogen peroxide to a tub of warm water and soak for at least 1/2 hour. You may add hot water as needed to maintain a comfortable water temperature. This will help rid the body of toxins.
Possible short-term side effects
- if swallowed:
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vomiting
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stomach ache
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burning sensation in stomach
Ingredients to be aware of
- acetanilide
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phenol
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sodium stannate
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tetrasodium phosphate
Benefits
- assists in maintaining good oral health
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helps to detoxify the body
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cleans and disinfects wounds
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cleans and sanitizes surfaces, such as kitchen counters, etc
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soak vegetables to rid them of bacteria and pesticide residue
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stain remover
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helps clear up yeast infections
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
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