Anyway, today's podcast ("Enemy Camp 2010") featured a story about how ingesting hookworm can cure people's asthma and allergies! They talked about how perhaps the supply of clean food and water available in industrial countries has upset the balance that humans had established with parasites for millions of years. And now, without parasites around, scientists have suggested that our immune system can no longer fully develop, which might explain why the US has become such an allergy-ridden nation. Heaps of people have experienced the wonderful effects of hookworm! Apparently, the only major possible side effect if you ingest too many is anemia.
This story does not directly affect me because I luckily don't suffer from allergies or asthma, but it does remind me of a more relevant point, and that is the hygiene hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, it is actually possible to be too clean. A sterile house and an excessive antibacterial regime may actually be detrimental to your family's health. Our bodies need a little bit of dirt and grime in order to strengthen our immune systems. Over-cleanliness has been linked to an increase in allergies, asthma, and even celiac disease! So parents, no need to follow around your little terror with disinfectant! It's ok to let them be kids!
We don't use any antibacterial products in our house, and we only eat antibiotic-free eat chicken and eggs. You have to be careful because antibacterial products are lurking everyone! Last week I accidentally bought my husband an antibacterial toothbrush! Antibacterial = poison! All natural cleaning products, rather than harsh chemicals, are all that are necessary. In fact, if you don't know already, check out this site all about the many uses of vinegar. It really is an amazing thing! Seriously, vinegar and water is an amazing cleaning solution!
Now, don't get me wrong, scientists aren't suggesting that we stop bathing our kids or let them play in raw sewage. All they are saying is to relax on the sterilization of everything and avoid antibacterial as much as possible. If your kid catches the occasional cold... even better! His immune system is getting stronger!
photo courtesy of cristobalcohen on flickr
3 comments:
Well you won't catch me eating any worms, but we avoid anti bacterial stuff too. No hand sanitizers necessary!
Hi! Stopping by from MBC. Great blog.
Have a nice day!
LOVE THIS! We are exactly the same way. I grew up with dogs and cats in a home where cleaning was a little lax. It used to make me mad, but I have no allergies and don't know anyone who is sick less than me. I wish more people would understand this concept and stop shelling out cash for Lysol and other chemicals which do more harm than good.
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