Playing in the dirt could support your health—find out why!
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction: The necessity of your germs
0:22 The hygiene theory
1:39 How microbes affect your skin health
2:09 Conventional farming vs. organic farming
4:40 Key takeaways
5:01 Share your success story!
In this video, we’re going to talk about the necessity of germs.
Humans have coevolved with microbes for a very long time. Microbes have been on earth for much longer than humans have.
We have a beneficial relationship with many microbes—they give us certain things, and we give them a home to live in.
There’s something called the hygiene theory, which analyzes the benefits of microbes in early childhood for the resistance to diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions.
Microbes play an important part in building up immunity. This is why you should let your kids play in the dirt, and why kids who grow up in a sterile environment tend to experience more health issues.
Babies are born with the innate part of their immune system, which is received from the mother. However, there’s also the acquired immune system. At birth, this part of the immune system is a blank slate—it’s developed over time with exposure to microbes.
You have 100-trillion microbes growing inside your body and on your skin surface. Without a diverse microbiome, your body is more susceptible to harmful pathogens. This is why those who scrub their face too much can wipe out important flora and create more acne.
Conventional farming uses many chemicals that destroy important protective microbes. Going organic or growing your own food can help support a healthy microbiome.
Microbes are important for the nutritional content of plants. Plants supply carbohydrates to microbes, and microbes supply vitamins and minerals to plants.
Naturally grown plants have more nutrients and flavor compared to conventionally grown plants.
Dr. Eric Berg
08/31/2023
