Playing outside can assist with regulating your immune function
Is it really just a coincidence that a prime time news story on the latest strain of influenza is followed by a multitude of commercials for new cleaning products that guarantee to eliminate any germs that live or breed anywhere around us? The media know how to play on the fear of parents that germs are the source of family illnesses and infections. But is the opposite in fact in true?
It is true that germs are everywhere but many of these microorganisms are harmless and boost the immune system by cultivating the white blood cells that defend us against germs that are actually hazardous to our health. “It is not the amount of germs, but the type,” says Dr Brian Coppin, Clinical Director of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide.
“Human viruses and a few bacteria are dangerous however most bacteria, such as probiotics that live in the digestive tract and boost the body’s absorption of nutrients, are good for us.”
Despite this many parents feel a false sense of security by using cleaning products because they believe they are bound by similar safety standards to the ones established for certified strollers and car seats that have contributed to lower incidences of childhood injuries since they were introduced. By using these products parents feel they have a sense of control over the health of their children, even though with the array of products available, from baby wipes to hand sanitiser to special surface sprays, it can be hard to determine which ones are practical and when they should be used.
This anxiety about domestic and personal hygiene is unconsciously communicated by parents to children through body language and voice tone, because stress is palpable. This can manifest into a psychological aversion to substances such as sand, water, paint, food and even blood, because the child has developed a negative association with being messy.
“Mia isn’t good with dirt and it’s my fault,” admits Hayley, mum to two year Mia. “She hates to have dirty hands and will wipe them on herself to get them clean. She cried once at the beach – she didn't like the sand under her feet. Mum says when she looks after Mia she lets her grubby and thinks I would have a heart attack if I saw her. I like my house to be perfect – it gets a once over every day with Windex, Domestos and Exit Mould. I can't relax with mess around me and some mornings I can have it all done by nine o’clock.”
Misty, mum to two-year-old Imogen, says that while she is comfortable with Imogen getting dirty during play, she sees this as a separate issue to the cleanliness of the house. “I don’t think I'm a clean freak to the extreme but I don’t like leaving dirty clothes or dishes for the next day,” she says. “Imogen gets a free reign on getting messy to an extent so having a nice clean house is important to me.”
But according to Dr Coppin, one of the reasons autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Coeliac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease are on the rise along with allergies and asthma is because of the excessive use of cleaning products and antibiotics that stop the immune system from building up resistance to germs. Children who live in overly-sanitary surroundings are not exposed at an early age to the levels of bacteria that the body is evolved to handle and this can result in an overreaction to benign objects such as pollen and other stimuli.
This overreaction can present as an allergy, inflammation or asthma attack, which are all inappropriate immunological responses. “Most autoimmune disorders are increasing or have plateaued after a recent steep increase and the patients do tend to live in more hygienic circumstances,” says Dr Coppin. “Although dust may be a trigger for asthma, it is not the cause of a child becoming asthmatic. And while there is certainly a heretable component to allergy, the environmental influence is stronger. There is no benefit to be gained from disinfecting homes.”
For this reason antibacterial products are more best used in hospitals and medical centres where people with weakened immune systems need to be protected against the threat of further infection, just like hypoallergenic products should be used for asthmatic children who are hypersensitive to dust mites and mould, to avoid an asthmatic attack.
However because the presence of other children is inevitable in spreading germs, antibacterial products are also suitable for places where children congregate such as schools and parks. In these settings washing children’s hands at regular intervals with antibacterial soap, wiping down tables with disinfectant and using hand sanitiser when soap isn’t available can also help to reduce the spread of infection from mild illnesses like chickenpox to more serious things, such as E.coli and Meningococcal disease.
When it comes to the family home though, Dr Coppin says there are much more effective ways to protect children against illness, rather than turning the household into a sterile zone that doesn’t accurately mimic the outside world.
Firstly, breastfeeding can kickstart the immune system. “Breastfeeding helps to protect the infant during a time when it lacks its own immune memory by getting antibodies directly through the mothers milk,” Dr Coppin says.
Secondly, children should be allowed to explore using all of their senses. Babies who pick foreign objects off the floor and put them in their mouths are displaying instinctive evolutionary behaviour that has helped us to survive as a species for centuries. “Unless there is faecal contamination this may well be a very helpful immune strategy on behalf of the infant,” says Dr Coppin. Children must be allowed to come into contact with enough dirt and allergens to down-regulate inappropriate inflammation.
Thirdly, children should play outside as often as possible. “Soils are rich in helpful mycobacteria – they may be very important in regulating our immune function,” Dr Coppin says. This is why children who reside in urban areas, are more susceptible to respiratory illness than kids who live in the country and usually spend a lot more time outdoors.
Research has also found that children who own a pet are exposed to associated animal bacteria and intestinal worms that can help retain a healthy immune system. They are also less likely to develop allergies to fur and dander. Dr Coppin says this is because people can habituate to allergens and reduce their overall risk of allergy.
Finally, immunisation can be powerfully protective against contracting infections and although there is ongoing debate about possible side effects, it is a fact that many diseases such as polio and smallpox, have been or will soon be eradicated through vaccination. Dr Coppin says it is a very important factor in keeping children healthy ahead of other methods.
However while these factors may all contribute to children becoming less susceptible to immune system disorders, the onus in on the parents to ensure children are relaxed around dirt. Hayley is aware that she could benefit from lowering her standards slightly. “I feel good keeping my house tidy but I have promised myself when the new baby comes I may have to let things go a little otherwise I'll be stressed and depressed,” she says.
Misty says a combination of all of the above things have ensured her daughter has a healthy attitude towards mess. “Going to daycare Imogen picks up things but she is fully immunised. We try and play outside everyday with our dog Levi and unless it’s something like cigarette butts, I don’t overreact too much if Imogen sticks things in her mouth. If she gets licked in the face by the dog she makes a face but she does the same if she gets something sticky on her hands,” Misty says.
It could be that the need for a neat and immaculate house and family is just another part of modern society’s desire to have a flawless existence but the reality is that many parents have seen too many media reports on public health issues and fear can sometimes override common sense. So until further research is done, to ensure children stay as healthy as possible it’s best to maintain basic grooming rituals like hand washing, bathing and brushing teeth, rather than overindulging with multiple antibacterial products.
