Keeping Healthy by Limited Exposure

Our world is full of all kinds of new theories about how to stay healthy and changes we can make to be healthy. This is my perspective followed by scientific research. You can gain your own perspective on the subject by doing your own research. This also does not apply to those who are on medicines that lower their immunity system or are under dialysis.

In our modern world we are exposed to very few pathogens. The problem with this however, is that it may be hurting us in the long run. Exposure to the nasty and germ infested areas may in fact strengthen us if it is done so correctly. Marc McMorris, M.D., a pediatric allergist at the University of Michigan Health System has a theory call Hygiene Hypothesis where he states, “We’ve developed a cleanlier lifestyle, and our bodies no longer need to fight germs as much as they did in the past. As a result, the immune system has shifted away from fighting infection to developing more allergic tendencies.” (www.sixwise.com, 2009). A great example of this is the sudden increase of people who are now gluten sensitive (an autoimmune disorder where the gluten irritates the intestinal lining). According to a study by the Mayo Clinic in July 2009, celiac disease is four times more common now than it was 50 years ago. Since 1974, the rate of reported celiac disease has doubled every 15 years and now occurs in 1 out of 100 people worldwide, with an estimated 3 million cases in the U.S. alone (Saunders, 2009). Children who have grown up in germ infested areas are less likely to have problems with allergies and are less likely to call in sick to school and work. (www.sixwise.com, 2009)

Your body naturally makes immunities to pathogens that it is introduced to. When you catch a cold, you never catch the same cold again. When you get a cold, you get a mutated bacteria that your body will make an immunity for while you get better. By continually changing exposures and keeping small amounts of a particular germ in contact with you, your body will become stronger and more resilient. However the person who is protected, never exposed to new pathogens, and is EXTREMELY cleanly will more likely get a flu that in the end will cripple them even more. (They made a House episode on it that I found very interesting).


I am not saying that you throw yourself in a leper colony. What I am saying is let your kid go to preschool and daycare. Let them get exposed to those germs and in return, bring them home. Exposure to these germs will probably get you sick, but you will not have to fight that same strand again. Dirt, animals, and strange (but cleaned) food will greatly help you and your family fight off scary germs when you are exposed to them by allowing your body to protect itself as it was meant to.

 Keep healthy by exposing yourself to some pathogens. Still maintain good health by washing your hands at least 5 to 6 times a day. Wash after you use the bathroom, before you cook or handle food, or if you or someone in the house is sick. Avoid touching your face especially around flu season and be conscious of where you are spraying your pathogens. Have fun exposing yourself!