In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system. Several continuing studies suggest that worms may help to redirect an immune system that has gone awry and resulted in autoimmune disorders, allergies and asthma.
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Dr. Ruebush deplores the current fetish for the hundreds of antibacterial products that convey a false sense of security and may actually foster the development of antibiotic-resistant, disease-causing bacteria. Plain soap and water are all that are needed to become clean, she noted.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dirt is Good
The New York Times printed an article on Monday titled Babies Know: A Little Dirt is Good For You. The jist of the article is that, in this antibacterial crazed society that we live in, the bacteria, viruses and especially worms that children get from "dirt" are actually good for them and help to build their immune systems and even ward allergies and asthma.
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2 comments:
Although the antibiotic gels are nice becuase they travel well so you can put them on hands that haven't been necessarily washed in a while. Right now in the middle of cold and flu season with a young kiddo I am grateful for them. But yes some people are a bit over the top on the antibacterial gels and I heard that was a problem as well.
I guess we should have fed you worms instead of spaghetti. I agree that a little dirt is healthy
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