By Dana DeMercurio
Cringeworthy moments in a baby or toddler’s life often includes them eating food off the floor, sucking on their own toes, and touching what seems to be anything filthy they can find within arm’s reach. Most parents are quick to pull out the sanitizer and layer their kids with a thick coat of antibacterial liquid, but some would argue that society has gone a bit overboard when it comes to keeping their kids safe from germs.
A recent study published in the June 6edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that babies exposed to germs and allergens during their first few years of life have healthier immune systems than those babies with limited germ exposure. Such children are also less like to suffer from breathing issues like asthma later on in life.
Dr. Robert Wood, lead author of the study, was actually stunned by the results, which showed that those who aren’t exposed to common household allergens (like those from pets or dust) within the first year or life may not develop as strong an immunity as those who are exposed early in life.
Data from this research found that of the children tested, 41% of those who ended up being allergy free came from homes where large amounts of bacteria and allergens were found. Doctors related this research to previous studies that found that children who grow up on farms are less likely to have asthma and allergies, which is most likely due to increased exposure to bacteria from farm animals and outdoor living.
So what does this mean for moms? It means spending a little less time dusting and vacuuming, and a little more time enjoying the benefits of a somewhat untidy home, all for the sake of your child’s health and immunity!
