Reader seeks safest kitchen cleaner

Dear Dr. Roach: Which of these is safest to clean kitchen countertops where we eat: vinegar, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride or sodium hypochlorite?

E.V.

Answer: Vinegar and baking soda is a time-honored, effective treatment using products you can eat, so it is very safe.

Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, also called benzalkonium chloride, is found in many household cleaners, such as Lysol. They can be quite dangerous if ingested in a large quantity. When used properly, at low concentration (such as the residual amount left after wiping down a counter), they should be fine. They are used as preservatives in some medications, such as eyedrops. As with all chemicals, the dose makes the poison.

Sodium hypochlorite is bleach. It is also found in many cleaning products, such as Clorox.

Although it is very effective, the odor even at low concentration is offensive to many people (including me). It, too, is safe if used properly.

Personally, I advise mostly using soap and water, and if cooking something with high risk of bacteria, such as raw meat, using a cutting board you can toss in the dishwasher. That is nearly as effective as a sterilizer.

Dear Dr. Roach: Ihavea question about undigested food. Are you getting any nutrients, other than fiber, from foods that come out looking the same as they wentin?

I’m thinking of foods such as corn and sunflower, flax or chia seeds. How well do they need to be chewed to get any nutrition from them?

L.W.

Answer: Many seeds and corn need to be chewed very well in order to be absorbed by the body.

They have a large amount of undigestible fiber, which will never be absorbed.

Chia seeds, unlike flax or sunflower seeds, are pretty easily digested by most people, but you can grind them and soak them ahead of time to make it easier for your body to digest.