Staying healthy … by trying to dodge the bullets.
*Article by Dieter Luske, editor of UseNature Lifestyle Directory and
Natural Health Classifieds. Dieter has been involved in the natural health industry for 30 years!
What would be sensible advice for parents to keep their kids healthy?
This is not an easy subject; we are all individuals with our own unique lifestyle. Often, what works for one, may not work for another one. Generally speaking, looking at nature for guidance is a good idea. A good natural Diet seems obvious, plenty of fresh food, and as little as possible processed food. Natural surroundings and lots of fresh air and happy children playing outside, comes next- sounds nearly too idyllic, but is hopefully still possible.
The aim of growing up as natural as possible is to build a strong healthy immune system. Over protection, or growing up on soft drinks and chips and sitting for many hours in front of a television may lead to a compromised the immune system
Now, lets look at how to dodge the bullets; do we do the right thing if we follow mainstream television commercials advice?
As you know, if someone has dodged a bullet, they have successfully avoided a very serious problem.
What are these bullets?
If we are going to believe the happy marketing guys for the anti-septic, anti bacterial, anti-everything brigade, we need to immerse our self in liquid anti-septic and live happily and healthy ever after, as long as we use everyday the following products:
-Gurgle Anti-septic mouthwash
-Wipe off everything with Antibacterial wipes
-Wash your hands a 1000 times with anti-septic hand sanitizers.
As far as I can remember, we have used products like these for ages, and even with increased advertising and therefore usage, I doubt people have dodged the bullets and have stayed free from bacterial or any other infections.
The important question to ask is: are we overusing “anti” products, are we trying to cocoon ourselves in a haze of antiseptic in the hope not to get infected?
Is using too many Anti-septic products a form of Overprotection?
Just imagine for a moment you are “overprotected” by living in a bubble, totally free of bacterial bullets, and yes you probably will never catch a cold, but what happens if you leave the bubble, will your immune system be able to cope with the onslaught of everything which is out there?
The answer is, NO; you probably would die from any minor bacterial infection.
We have known for a long time that overuse of anti-biotics has had dire consequences, not for the bacteria, but for us. Bacteria with their short breeding cycles will simply re-develop into new nasty strains, which may become anti-biotic resistant.
This probably has intensified the seemingly perfect solution to kill off everything before it touches us. The problem is that by doing that we put ourselves into a bubble, we may have ”overprotected“ us.
It’s all about simple common sense and balance.
Obviously, it is a good idea to have sensible hygienic procedures. But there is no point of over doing it, and even worse, it may have the opposite effect, some kids may have even allergies to all those anti-products and air-deodorisers.
In fact, over-using any “Anti” products may be harmful in the long run, especially for children.
It is much more important for kids not to be over protected, than for adults. A healthy immune system is developing at a young age. To place a baby or toddler into an artificial bubble environment will be detrimental for the kid’s future. They need to develop their immune system.
I am not saying, go out and eat some dirt, I am saying go out and play, have fun, get strong, build resistance and immunity, and have a good diet, free from added chemicals.
There is obviously evidence for all this, scientist say antibacterial handwashes might even be encouraging Superbugs.
Research claims, that “triclosan”, which is one of the main ingredients in most antibacterial hand-washes can become resistant to common antibiotics, such as the likes of amoxillin.. This occurs because triclosoan targets bacteria in the same manner as antibiotics, by destroying vital parts of their cells, and because bacteria is very adaptable they can develop resistance as the resuslt of overexposure.
By the way, that refreshing anti-septic mouthwash is not just killing possible harmful bacteria, but also your friendly bacteria.
Never forget that our bodies are loaded with all kind of organisms, some bad some good, as long as the good guys are winning you are winning.
To sum up, how do you stay healthy on a bacteria infested planet?
Live in it, and develop a good immune system and resistance by not artificially weakening yourself.
In today’s world, eating artificial processed food, confronted with ever increasing pollution, pesticides, and bombarded with chemicals the way to stay healthy is making informed choices and giving your body a helping hand by focusing on positive lifestyle behaviour.
