KM Viray
There’s nothing more refreshing than to take a shower and come out feeling squeaky clean. But did you know that you don’t actually need to shower with soap every single time?
We’re all aware of the many diseases out there, but some germs and bacteria can actually be good for humans. Humans are naturally “dirty” creatures. Every single person or object we touch and come in contact with has millions of tiny germs and microbes. These are usually harmless. In fact, they are actually useful in building up the immune system.
Dr. Robynne Chutkan of the Digestive Center for Women in Chevy Chase, Maryland says being very clean all the time can actually be more dangerous than it is helpful. “Regular contact with dirt and grime teaches your microbiome how to recognize friendly germs versus foes,” Dr. Chutkan explains.
In fact, the doctor listed a number ways of how not to be cleaner. Read on and you’ll see why being clean all the time is not as safe as you think it is.
Don’t use soap every time you take a bath.
When you scrub and scour your body every day, you actually strip your body of beneficial microbes that keeps you acne- and eczema-free. Unless you’re really dirty (i.e., you’re covered in mud), the only places you need to scrub are your armpits and groin. A simple rinse can give your body a break but still refresh you at the same time. Just make sure you use a mild soap made from organic ingredients and not those strong germicidal ones.
According to Dr. Chutkan, “Dirt doesn’t cause disease—but repeatedly killing off the good bacteria on our skin may actually harm our immunity.”
Don’t use harsh hand sanitizers or alcohol.
Sanitizers, alcohol and hand sprays have made their way into the bags of moms, students, and workers. Especially for the obsessive-compulsive ones, a spray or squirt is a must after touching a door knob or getting off public transportation.
Medical experts actually recommend using these if you’ve come from a place that truly has a lot of bacteria and germs, like a hospital. The truth is, the vast majority of microbes on your skin and hands are not virulent germs that cause serious infection; they’re harmless bacteria that won’t hurt you.
Of course, during the cold and flu season, you should take a bit more precaution around your colleagues and your family, like covering your nose when you sneeze or cough and disposing of used tissues properly. Research has shown, however, that you still don’t need anti-bacterial soaps and cleansers because those work only on bacteria and not on the common cold and flu which are caused by a virus. All that’s necessary during cold and flu season is regularly washing hands with all-natural soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
In the long run, it actually doesn’t hurt if you be exposed to germs every now and then. You know how your parents used to allow you to play in mud and dirt or in the rain? It’s because they know exposing you to such conditions can actually be for the good of your health and your immunity system.
Don’t keep yourself inside a figurative plastic bubble and protect yourself from good germs. Walk a few minutes on the street, open your car window, buy organic food, and such.
Featured photo from godirtygirl.com
