Paranoia Reigns Supreme
Recent advertising on local television is capitalising on the hysteria created by the Swine Flu Epidemic.
You remember what happened earlier this year when the media storm pushed fear and loathing into every human such that a mere sniff or cough from a passing human was side stepped or scorned with the arrogance of a Siamese cat. The loss of sensibility in the health profession was almost complete except for some isolated practitioners who realised that in fact treating the sick was their responsibility.
So what is this new hysteria?
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| One of many hundreds of products now marketed to reduce your life’s germ burden. |
Germs. Those nasty micro-organisms spreading disease and sickness. They should all be eliminated immediately from your environment and of course the only way to do that is with the new and improved anti-bacterial soaps, anti-bacterial sprays, disinfectant wipes and sanitising towelettes for everything you touch.
Harmful Levels Of Infestation
There are so many bacteria, fungal spores, viruses and other small nasties infesting your house, car, work-space, restaurants and local bars that if you don’t do everything you can to get rid of them all you’re taking unnecessary risks with your health. At least that is what you’re led to believe.
New Research Suggests Germ Exposure Improves Your Health
For some it may be a surprise that you actually need germs in your life. In the right places of course.
But recent research from Northwestern University’s Thomas McDade and others suggests that ultra-clean environments early in life may contribute to higher levels of inflammation in later life. This even includes cardiovascular disease.
Specific evidence is provided to support this theory from looking at specific immune markers and many social and behavioural factors from birth to 22 years old. 3,327 Filipino women were involved in the study and researchers considered a multitude of behaviours, including breast feeding, population density, socio-economic factors, presence of domestic animals and hygiene.
Specifically the presence of an inflammatory marker protein called C-reactive protein (CRP). It is used as a predictor of heart disease, independent of lipids, cholesterol and blood pressure, although there is some dispute over this association.
The Findings
The population in the Philippines had at least 80% lower levels of CRP compared with their American counterparts.
Hardly surprising. In fact if this was not the case the whole vaccination industry would be shut down today – right now.
Exposure of your immune system to all things foreign is what builds immune intelligence. And this is what protects you when a serious challenge arrives.
“In other words, inflammatory networks may need the same type of microbial exposures early in life that have been part of the human environment for all of our evolutionary history to function optimally in adulthood,” stated McDade.
The Solution
As a Christmas gift to your children put away the anti-bacterial wipes, sprays, towelettes and lotions. Let them get exposed to normal levels of bacteria, fungi and viruses. It may well just be the best Christmas present you can give.
