ARE MY KIDS TOO CLEAN?

Written by: Caroline Meyer

We have become a culture of ultra-cleanliness. We know about germs and dirt and try and find ways to limit exposure to all types of germs and microorganism. Over the last few years a number of studies have shown that it is quite important to actually be exposed to some germs growing up. Germs stimulate the immune system which in turn helps reduce the risk of allergies later in life. Children today are mostly kept indoors and only exposed to clean, sanitised surfaces. This means they are not exposed to much germs and bacteria. This doesn’t mean we should immerse children in a miasma of microbes. Hygiene, clean water and basic healthcare is extremely important to reduce the risk of infant and child mortality. 

What this does mean, is that we need to allow little ones to be exposed to some of the natural microbes found in our general environment. Infectious diseases are a concern, but maybe we are restricting the immune system too much with bleach, hand sanitisers and the like. When kids are exposed to some parasites, viruses and bacteria earlier in life they are less at risk for asthma, allergies and various autoimmune disorders when they are older. 

It has conclusively been shown that children brought up on farms or who attended day care centres as toddlers or infants have a much lower risk of allergies developing than those who didn’t. We stimulate out children’s intellect by interaction. The immune system needs germ exposure to become stronger and to regulate itself. There is also a potential correlation between early germ exposure and reduced inflammation later in life. Inflammation in adults is linked to diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Early immune stimulation may have far reaching effects if the inflammation factor is considered.  

We live with microbes in symbiosis and many have lived with humans in a beneficial way for millennia. With the advent of super-sterilisation, many of these microbes, especially those in out gut are dying off and disappearing. These microbes are needed for important physiological functions in the body. The overuse of antibiotics may also come in to play in this aspect. It may be very difficult to get a balance between too dirty and too clean.  

So, what can you do? 

The main thing to look at is trying to establish a balance. Where possible, reduce the use of antibiotics for every little fever. Work with your doctor to allow your child’s immune to fight minor infections or illnesses where possible without the use of antibiotics.  You also do not have to sanitise and sterilise everything. In most instances, soap and water will work effectively without the use of bleach to clean surfaces. You don’t want to expose your child to harmful or aggressive infections, but you also don’t want a home that is too sterile to allow for the immune to develop.  

Let them play outside. It is okay for them to get a little dirty. Most germs and microbes picked up from playing in the outdoor environment are harmless and even beneficial. Let them have a pet or at least be exposed to animals from an early age. It has been shown that exposure to animals when young helps the body learn to protect itself from many pathogens. 

Teach them hygiene. They do need to wash their hands, but no need to use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser at every step. In general, soap and water will take care of most of the harmful bacteria or germs that may be on their little hands. 

Stop bleaching everything! For most areas, soap and water will give a good clean without completely stripping the surface of every possible microbe. Save the stronger chemicals for the bathroom if you can’t stop using them all together. 

Children benefit from being exposed to some germs and microbes from infancy by reduced risk of allergies later in life. Allowing them to play outside also stimulates Vitamin D production, improves mental acuity and curiosity and even improves activity levels. Clothes and little bodies can be washed, let them get a bit dirty. It is good for them!