Sep 10, 2007
Next time you try to keep your child away from puddling in dirt, think twice: aren't you obsessed with hygiene? The latest research from the University of Michigan Health System, suggests that our super-clean policy to prevent infections is actually doing bad to children leading to a considerable increase in allergies.
Marc McMorris, a pediatric allergist, explains that though a cleaner lifestyle with vaccinations, the use of anti-bacterial soaps and air-tight devices create an environment that is germ-free, it all may boost the development of allergies, especially for children.
Our immune system works to fight with infections. Keeping our bodies from bacterial and viral agents, as a result of cleaner lifestyle, shifts the burden of germs fighting into creating more allergies for us. Allergy is a body reaction to foreign substances and while we are less exposed to bacteria and viruses, our body develops allergic reaction.
Home environment has also changed into more germ-free and with more air-tight doors and windows, it made our home even more allergenic. The more so - families with one child are more susceptible to allergies than larger families with two or three children. This is due to the fact that children who come in contact with each other are more exposed to bacteria and viruses, thus having less allergies.
But does it mean we should go back to the old times and not care about hygiene?
Dr. McMorris says that parents should use common sense while keeping the house clean. The overuse of antibacterial agents and furnace filters can actually have a bad effect. He also recommends all parents finding a balance while trying to keep children away from germs. There is no need to isolate children from contacts with others and no harm in allowing them play with dirt.
Healthy Life Spot
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