Scientific research eventually caught up with my experience, revealing that dousing our kids’ environments in triclosan and similar substances was not just unnecessary but harmful. In fact, these products were linked to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While marketers thrived on instilling fear in parents, the FDA intervened in 2016, stating that companies could no longer advertise antibacterial washes containing ingredients that weren’t proven to be safe for long-term use or more effective than regular soap and water.
Now, let’s get back to my fourth child, who has turned out to be the messiest and healthiest of the bunch. I never once panicked when his older brothers returned home from school, scooping him up with hands that had been exposed to who-knows-what at school. My little one was allowed to crawl around in the dirt of our backyard, at little league fields, and on high school gym floors, and guess what? He thrived!
A recent study led by anthropologist Sylvia Langford from Northwestern University confirms that babies exposed to germs grow up with lower levels of inflammation in adulthood. This isn’t merely about preventing childhood illnesses; this research has documented that early exposure can contribute to a well-functioning immune system that lasts a lifetime.
Inflammation in adults is often a sign of underlying cellular issues and is linked to various diseases such as asthma, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, and even depression. If we can guide our bodies to better manage inflammation, we might just lower the risk of these conditions. Langford argues that introducing germs to our little ones, especially in their formative years, helps train their immune systems to regulate inflammation more effectively.
Unfortunately, in the U.S. and other germ-averse countries, we are witnessing a rise in “diseases of affluence.” Researcher Thomas Greenfield points out that the lack of exposure to beneficial microbes may explain the increasing rates of celiac disease and allergies in areas with overly sanitized environments. In contrast, these issues are rare in places like the Philippines where children are more frequently exposed to dirt and bacteria.
So where can we find these helpful microbes? Greenfield explains, “The microbial exposures that assist our bodies in regulating inflammation are typically non-infectious—they’re found in dirt, decaying plant matter, and untreated water sources. These have been a natural part of human existence for centuries. They are not the harmful germs that cause serious illnesses.”
Parents, it’s time to set aside the hand sanitizer and allow your children to get a little dirty. Let them play in the mud and engage with their surroundings—germs and all! You deserve a break, and your kids’ immune systems will benefit as they explore the world around them. The trade-off is simple: a bit of mess today may result in fewer illnesses in their early years and better health in the long run.
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Summary:
Encouraging children to play in dirt and embrace their environments can lead to healthier immune systems and lower inflammation levels in adulthood. Over-sanitizing can hinder their development and contribute to chronic diseases. Allowing kids to explore and get messy is beneficial for their long-term health.