Eat dirt

Oh boy, there is fuel to my fire. I think exposure to dirt is good and now I see more research to back it up. The New York Times online has an article about eating dirt. Well, not exactly – but they do talk about the health benefits of ingesting the stuff of dirt!

“In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system. Several continuing studies suggest that worms may help to redirect an immune system that has gone awry and resulted in autoimmune disorders, allergies and asthma. These studies, along with epidemiological observations, seem to explain why immune system disorders like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and allergies have risen significantly in the United States and other developed countries.”

One guy, leading researcher Dr. Joel V. Weinstock, the director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, says this, “Children should be allowed to go barefoot in the dirt, play in the dirt, and not have to wash their hands when they come in to eat,” he said. He and Dr. Elliott pointed out that children who grow up on farms and are frequently exposed to worms and other organisms from farm animals are much less likely to develop allergies and autoimmune diseases. Also helpful, he said, is to “let kids have two dogs and a cat,” which will expose them to intestinal worms that can promote a healthy immune system.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27brod.html?_r=1&em&emc=eta1

[Picture to right is of Seth -toddling cutie- holding one of our first brittany spaniel's puppies]

Turns out my practice of letting the kids eat off the floor and forego handwashing - even when they had petted the dog/cat/hamster/mouse/rat - paid off!