Scientists find that exposing your children to germs can actually make them healthier

Who would've known that exposing your children to germs can make them more resistant to disease in the long run?

Professor Jack Gilbert, co-author of "Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child's Developing Immune System," shares that parents shouldn't be too worried about exposing their kids to germs.

"Most parents think all germs are bad, that is not true. Most will just stimulate your immune system and make you stronger," he shares.

Germs strengthen your child's immune system

According to Prof. Gilbert, parents can sometimes be too overprotective, even to the point of over-sanitizing their child's environment.

He emphasizes that by being exposed to germs and bacteria, children's immune systems develop to be healthier and stronger compared to children who were raised in a very sterile environment, with very little germs. Germs help strengthen your child's immune system by 'teaching' their immune system how to combat certain germs. That way, their body knows how to deal with infection.

"Thanks to vaccination and general sanitation our homes are extremely safe," he adds.

Let your kids play outside!

These days, some parents get too paranoid, especially with the things that they read online. But the truth is that with all of the advancements in health and the medical sciences that we have these days, there's no need to worry about your child getting sick or getting hurt if they play outside.

The most important thing would be to let your child explore their surroundings, so that they can figure things out by themselves, and learn more about the world as they grow older.

So the next time you see your child playing outside in the mud, just let them be. It's good for their immune system!


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