04/09/13

The Farm Effect – Why Dirt Might Be A Good Thing

As reported by Mother Earth Living, studies are showing that good old dirt, microbes and exposure to the outdoor life are good for you, “Both allergic and autoimmune diseases are on the rise in the United States, and researchers have been working to understand why. In fact, there’s a pretty solid theory about what’s going on. It’s called the “hygiene hypothesis,” and it helps explain a curious fact that has been documented by recent research: You’re less likely to develop allergies and asthma if you grow up on a farm.”

Do you need to live on a farm? Not necessarily. But we have evolved to become a more hygenic society and researchers are now finding that that isn’t always a great thing. So a little more involvement with the earth, less processed foods, and some good old dirt time might be good for your toddler. Next time they put their mud-caked fingers in their mouths, it might give you pause to think. And let them pat that slobbery cow at the petting zoo.

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