Anyone who has ever looked at all the cleaning products will notice that most of them say "antibacterial" on the bottle. In this day and age, everyone wants to protect themselves from germs and bacteria as much as possible. However, these are exactly what the body needs to a certain extent.
Why does the body need germs?
The body needs germs and bacteria so that the immune system has something to do. The immune system fights pathogens; every foreign substance is recognized as an enemy and immediately destroyed. If the environment is sterile, i.e., free of germs and bacteria, the immune system no longer has anything to do. Since it wants to work, it will now view completely harmless substances such as animal hair, dust, or pollen as enemies and fight them. The body reacts with a runny nose and watery eyes. In other words, an allergy, and since the immune system will now always view these substances as enemies, you will constantly have these symptoms as soon as you come into contact with the substance.
Why are there so many allergy sufferers today?
Because of excessive hygiene. Studies show that children used to suffer from allergies much less frequently than they do today. Children who grew up on farms, in particular, came into contact with dirt every day, so their immune systems had plenty of work to do. Today, in times of cleanliness, the immune system has hardly any work, so even babies develop allergies. The immune system simply cannot develop properly and recognizes everything that does not belong in the body as an enemy.
How can you protect your child from allergies?
Basically, you cannot protect them; especially if the parents suffer from allergies, the risk that the child will also have an allergy is quite high. In principle, however, you should let your child play in the dirt. The sandbox alone contains enough bacteria and germs, so the immune system has its hands full. The apartment also does not have to be meticulously clean; of course, the floor should not be overflowing with dirt, but normal, natural cleaning agents are sufficient. You do not need cleaning agents that are disinfecting and antibacterial for the bathroom, toilet, and all other rooms.
What can you use for cleaning?
You can fall back on Grandma's bag of tricks. Vinegar dissolves limescale wonderfully, dirt rings in the sink can be removed very well with a little salt, and 60 percent alcohol is great for removing grease and streaks from glass surfaces.
Hygiene is good, but you can overdo it. When it comes to an infectious disease, it is right to clean the toilet or door handles with an antibacterial agent. However, that should really remain the exception; otherwise, germs and bacteria are not bad, the body actually needs them urgently.
Photo by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
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