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Is it possible to drink hydrogen peroxide to prevent diseases?

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Peroxide is water with an extra oxygen atom. This is an unstable compound that oxidizes easily, thanks to which it can destroy bacteria and fungi, and also bleaches things.

In the “ Yod ” telegram channel we tell you how to take care of your health based on evidence-based medicine.

What is hydrogen peroxide normally used for?

There are several concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that are used for different purposes:

  • 1–5% is an antiseptic for treating wounds, cuts, and scratches.
  • 3–6% – used to disinfect surfaces and as a component for rinsing contact lenses. Peroxide is effective against bacteria, yeast, fungi , viruses and spores.
  • Up to 10% – lightening, dyeing and perming hair. The substance in this concentration is also added to teeth whitening solutions.
  • Above 35% – bleaching of textiles, paper and food, production of chemicals, foam rubber and fertilizers.

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Why do people drink hydrogen peroxide?

Prevention of diseases by drinking hydrogen peroxide is a method from traditional medicine. Proponents of the method claim that when swallowed, the chemical compound breaks down into water and oxygen, which is immediately absorbed by cells. And also, according to fans of the method, the solution destroys everything that prevents the body from functioning normally. Thanks to this, the procedure supposedly protects against arthritis, HIV, allergies, shingles, emphysema, warts , arrhythmias and even cancer.

The only thing that is true in this statement is that peroxide actually breaks down into water and oxygen. But we have not found evidence that this process helps in the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Is it safe to drink hydrogen peroxide?

No, it’s not safe. When hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water, bubbles form. A person runs the risk of stomach bloating, belching, vomiting , and throat irritation. It can also result in burns to the mouth and internal organs.

A rare but serious complication is gas embolism. In this condition, peroxide bubbles enter the circulatory system and clog the vessels. As a result, the person has difficulty breathing, consciousness becomes confused, and chest pain appears. This is life-threatening, so the victim urgently needs an ambulance.

Little is known about the long-term effects of ingesting peroxide. Scientists do not yet know whether the solution can cause cancer or infertility.

What to do if you swallow hydrogen peroxide

A small amount of peroxide diluted to a concentration of 1% is unlikely to cause irreparable harm, but there are always risks. Therefore, if you or your child accidentally swallowed the solution, you should still try to prevent the consequences:

  • rinse your mouth and lips with clean water;
  • drink 100-250 ml of water or milk to clearthe esophagus faster, but do not try to induce vomiting;
  • Call your doctor to find out if anything needs to be done next.

If the concentration of the solution you drank was 3% or more, call an ambulance by calling 103 or 112. While you are waiting for doctors, do not take activated charcoal . The product will not absorb the harmful substance, but in the hospital it will prevent doctors from conducting an endoscopy and assessing the condition of the stomach.

How to actually protect yourself from diseases

Scientifically proven methods help prevent diseases, most of which involve leading a healthy lifestyle.

  • Stick to a healthy diet.You can get all the necessary vitamins and microelements from food. To do this, you need to eat fish and at least five servings of various fruits and vegetables every day, reduce your intake of sweet, salty and fatty foods, and add starchy carbohydrates high in fiber to your diet, such as potatoes, whole grain pasta and bread, and cereals .
  • Be physically active.This will help maintain a healthy weight and normal heart and blood vessels. The World Health Organization recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. It’s not just the gym that counts – you can go for walks, ride a bike and dance.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.This will reduce stress on your joints, help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and improve heart health. To understand what indicator you should strive for, you can calculate your body mass index: to do this, you need to divide your weight by your height squared. An index from 18.5 to 24.9  is considered healthy .
  • Observe hygiene rules.Wash your hands with soap when you come from the street, before eating and after using the toilet, do not bite your nails .
  • Do not share personal items.It is better not to lend razors, sex toys, nail scissors and towels to anyone. This will reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other infectious diseases.
  • Practice safe sex.It is necessary to use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse, and if there is a risk that your partner is infected with a sexually transmitted infection, it is better to refrain from intimacy.
  • Do not inject drugs.And if this happens, you need to choose disposable syringes and needles and not share them with other people.
  • Quit smoking and alcohol.This will reduce the risks of many diseases: arthritis, arrhythmia, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
  • Get vaccinated.Ask your doctor which vaccinations need to be updated. And consider getting vaccinated against oncogenic subtypes of the human papillomavirus. Two drugs are suitable for this – Gardasil and Cervarix.

Another important point of prevention is to consult a doctor in a timely manner. If you don’t know where to start, sign up for a medical examination. During the examinations, specialists check the patients’ heart and lungs, take blood tests, and determine the risks of certain types of cancer.

 

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