Parents are becoming more and more obsessed with the hygiene of their children. They always use antiseptics and antibiotics to protect and treat them. Unfortunately, they are unaware that a child's excessive cleanliness can have a negative impact on their health because, according to Marie-Claire Arrietta, a microbiologist specializing in physiology, pharmacology and pediatrics in the United States, the child is cleaner. the less protected he is.
At birth, the child has an underdeveloped immune system, but as soon as he comes in contact with the microbes, his immune defenses begin to work and fight effectively against infections. These microbes produce molecules and substances that interact directly with the cells of the intestinal mucosa. It is during their encounter with these microbial substances that the immune cells obtain the necessary information to defend the human body. Over time, when the body becomes accustomed to taking antibiotics, bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Parents must then use them carefully.
Excessive hygiene and pathologies
A medical theory would explain that excessive hygiene could cause an increase in allergies and infections in children. Epidemiological data show that children growing up in a rural environment are much less likely to develop allergies. This does not mean packing and leaving the city, but it simply suggests that it is better to live in an environment that is not sanitized. It has also been found that children who are born in large sibship or who attend crèches are more exposed to bacteria and viruses exchanged with their siblings or with other children.
Experts also advise parents to let their children play with pets, especially dogs, which reduce the risk of allergies by up to 33%.
Other studies have also shown that immune defenses seek to remain in continuous activity. However, if we live in an environment where there are few or no microbes, our immune system will no longer be required to produce antibodies, and will seek other impulses to provoke the reaction of our body. This is how allergies appear.
Let the kids explore their environment
Children need to explore the environment around them. We all go through a part of childhood that consists of discovering everything we see using all our senses, but especially the mouth. So try not to rush your child by forbidding him to touch anything, or put it in his mouth. Also be careful not to constantly wipe your hands with antiseptic wipes ...
On the other hand, a study published in the journal Pediatrics showed that parents' saliva used to clean the baby's pacifier could be beneficial for their health and reduce the risk of future allergies.
Should you therefore give up the hygiene of your children for fear of disrupting their immune system? Of course not, as this will increase their risk of developing potentially serious infectious diseases. However, let them walk on the ground on all fours, play in the nature, with the animals, without feeling obliged to systematically wash them afterwards. Let their immune system become resistant and do their job to avoid treating any bacterial or viral infections with antibiotics.
