It may seem counterintuitive, but our obsession with hygiene isn’t always healthy.
No matter how egoistic we get as a species, we won’t survive an hour without the so-called dirty world of microbes.
Yeah, some microbes may kill us. But around 1-3% of our body mass consists of microbes that keep us healthy and allow us to live.
So it’s time we talk dirty. Here is what research shows happens if you have never played with dirt.
This is a special problem for those living in rich Western countries.
1. Lack of dirt makes you unhappy: Research shows kids exposed to backyard dirt have more Mycobacterium vaccae in their bodies and end up being happier. This bacteria improves mood by releasing serotonin and might also improve brain function.
2. Bacteria in soil may reduce the risk of asthma.
3. According to the Hygiene Hypothesis, living in a cleaner environment, and thus less exposure to microorganisms, leads to allergies, autoimmune diseases, and perhaps even cancer.
4. The appendix shelters friendly gut bacteria. Modern hygiene disrupts this cycle, potentially increasing appendicitis risk.
5. According to a few dermatologists taking daily baths may be harmful for your skin.
So, to sum up, unhygienic is healthy!
Would you take the risk of being too clean?
Reference
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0306-7
https://www.essence.com/beauty/skin/you-dont-have-shower-every-day-dermatologists-say/
https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/how-often-you-really-need-to-shower
