The Myth Of Being Too Clean

Anti bacterial soaps, antibacterial toys, antibacterial detergents, antibacterial cutting boards, many are lining the market shelves. The list is endlessly growing by the day. Germs and bacteria are being relentlessly destroyed. But wait a minute. Are we not being too clean? In fact, too clean for our own good. This is a new school of thought that's rapidly gaining ground.

How effective are the antibacterial products?

Scientists at work have researched these much advertised anti bacterial products. They found that these products are effective in destroying only the weak bacteria.

Further more, antibacterial products work for a long time after use and stop the friendly bacteria in re establishing itself. With the weak and friendly bacteria gone, the strong bacteria develop well. Such sterile conditions make strong bacteria stronger.

The immune system

Here's the other side of the coin. Every living creature has an immune system. To work well the system needs proper stimulation. Excessively sterile and clean atmospheres provide no or low stimulation. Exercise strengthens. Lack of exercise weakens. (A universal truth indeed!)

Ultra clean children vs. clean children

A simple survey has shown that the modern day infants are being bathed and having their hands washed more frequently than their seniors. Such ultra clean babies are more likely to develop eczema and asthma.

While children who grow with pets in the family, or children raised on farms are healthier. Here they interact with the animals and the not so sterile atmosphere has kept their systems functioning well. They are less prone to infections.

A paradox

The super clean surroundings have weakened the immune system and strengthened the harmful bacteria. In such a scenario a person is much more vulnerable than before.

Some doctors and scientists have added a new dimension to this paradox. They suggest that a certain type of white blood cells called T-cells starts attacking the bodies own tissues if they are not stimulated enough. Their findings have complicated an already tricky situation.

An answer

Doctors have suggested a way out. They say that exposure to a little bacteria is good. Friendly bacteria reside in dust and grime. Such microorganisms positively challenge the immune system and activate it.

Children with common cold or other such minor ailments are best left untreated. If the cold run its course, they turn stronger. Further attacks can be prevented. The old method of cleaning with chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol should be readopted. Anti bacterial soaps and detergents are best left untouched for they roughen the hands that use them. They are so harsh on the skin that they dry it up. Dry skin is prone to infection.

The old adage - Too much is too bad' is well applicable here. Educated parents should realize and draw a line between being clean and too clean.