By Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani
Tip # 4: GET DIRTY
Many of us have been lead to believe that germs are the root of all evil and that we should go to great lengths to avoid them…
Anti-bacteria hand creams, sprays and wipes, fill our handbags and counters and yet compelling researching tells us that we have gone too far and that some exposure to pets, dirt and other children for example are vital for stimulating the immune system to work effectively. In experiments where animals are raised in completely sterile (germ-free) environments, their immune systems do not develop normally and they develop serious immune diseases including allergy and autoimmunity.
When our “microbiome” (our internal network of helpful and harmful bacteria) becomes imbalanced, our digestion, immune function, state of mind and general health and wellbeing in time become compromised. An imbalanced microbiome is now believed to be one of the primary causes of chronic infection, inflammation, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, cancer and neurological problems such as Alzheimers, autism and schizophrenia.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal just a few months ago stated that “the disruption of the gut balance has been linked to an increasing number of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, allergies and asthma.”
Studies now tell us that exposure to dirt and germs is incredibly important. In fact we need regular exposure to bacteria and germs to strengthen our immune system. In our own homes, among our own family, we want to take the opportunity to build up our immune systems.
Here’s a few quick tips:
- Letting children crawl on the floor is fine, playing in the dirt is a good thing, having family pets is encouraged and sharing a spoon with your sister is, again, fine.
- Cleaning away visible dirt or grime on any surface — sinks, floors, or door handles with thorough washing and cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals — is usually enough without constant sterilizing and using disinfectants such as bleach (which probably kills everything in the air around it, too!).
- Washing our hands with simple soap dislodges and removes surface particles without stripping everything on the skin. Antibacterial soaps kill both good and bad bacteria, and strip the skin of the environment it needs to sustain good bacteria.
- Be less concerned about germs but instead focus more on considering how strong is your child’s digestive power and immune system.
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