Mud Actually Does Your Kids More Good Than Hand Sanitizers.

[LoShiNi]

Sometimes, Trying To Protect Them Does Exactly The Opposite


When Jack Gilbert, the Faculty Director of the Microbiome Center at the University of Chicago, became a father for the second time, he started questioning some ideas parents usually accept as the ultimate truth. Being a scientist, he decided to find out once and for all about the risks of children coming into contact with germs.

He presented results of his research in a book called Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, so that people would be able to learn why it’s not a big deal to pick things up from the floor and give to children without properly sterilizing them.

The following things may sound wild and uncivilized, but if you think about it, it actually makes sense. For example, many people prevent their kids from contacting with any animals, except for some house pets. Some even restrict them from touching cats and dogs until a certain age, or rush to wash a kid’s face after it being licked by a friendly puppy. All this can result in having allergies at a later age.

Gilbert, however, dispelled a myth about the five-second rule. Once the food falls on the floor, it gets immediately covered with microbes. However, unless this happens in a place potentially contaminated with dangerous pathogens, it’s actually a good thing. And there’s surely nothing to worry about in a regular modern home.

The scientist also advises licking a pacifier that fell on the floor and put it back into a child’s mouth as it will stimulate the immune system. The study involving 184 children has shown that kids whose parents do this were healthier and more protected from allergies or asthma.

It’s important to provide a healthy diet for your children, getting them to eat a lot of colorful and leafy vegetables, and getting them properly vaccinating. Just let your kids have fun, so that their body will learn about potential threats in the process and learn how to handle them.