Skip to main content

Should I not wash my hands sometimes?

We have been taught from childhood that cleanliness and hygiene is very important to ward off diseases and maintain good health. Washing hands after travelling in public transport, using public toilets or using elevators is highly recommended. Eating food or preparation of dishes should always be preceded by washing hands thoroughly. Hand hygiene is given so much importance; but then is too much cleanliness actually bad for you?


Well at least this article from the Daily Mail says so. Excerpts from the article:
    Don't wash your hands! A bit of dirt is good for you: Experts say cleaning less often would protect against allergies by allowing helpful bacteria into the body
  • Dr Justin Sonnenburg said modern diets lacking in fibre may cause irreversible damage to vital gut bacteria
  • He suggested not washing your hands after gardening or petting a dog
  • Low-fibre diets that we now eat might not be enough for future generations
  • He also suggests reducing our reliance on antibiotics.

Sure enough, there is conflicting information on health and hygiene these days. But then it's a universal truth that too much of a good thing is also bad and the key is moderation in all our activities. Perhaps this holds true for cleanliness and hygiene also.

But then I would think twice about not washing my hands after petting a cat or dog. And would I be brave enough to not wash hands after gardening --  more so, after reading this article or this contradictory article from The Daily Mail? I bet not!

Comments

  1. your hands need oil to keep moisturized. Dry and flaky hands, even itchy hands can distract you from your daily activities or possibly prevent you from doing them. You should only wash them before you eat or just got a dirty job finished so you won't get sick

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vaibhavi3:48 PM

    If you always worry about germs you will actually have more of a severe sickness than you normally would when you get sick because your immune system needs to be exposed to germs regularly to stay strong just like you need to exercise your muscles and most of the bacteria out there actually help your body. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't care about watching out for germs at all but just don't get too worried about it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bhoomi3:50 PM

    Hand washing with a soap and water helps to; 1. to remove residual microbes from hands and 2. to prevent cross infection(spreading bugs from one to other).

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments posted on this blog are moderated and approved only if they are relevant, on-topic and not abusive. Avoid using links to your site/blog in the body of your comment unless it is highly relevant to the post.

Popular posts from this blog

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...

Pore shrinking mask recipes from home

A face with large open pores when seen from close quarters doesn’t look so good. While it’s quite common for oily skins to have a tendency towards open pores, an attack of pimples also leaves ugly scars and open pores behind.  Even though the scars may fade away after some time, open pores appear to be more obstinate and hardly show any signs of shrinking.  Age also takes its toll by giving an uneven/pigmented tone to the skin and making the open pores more prominent. Heredity could also be a contributing factor in determining your pore size. It’s not easy to get rid of these pores or shrink them completely or permanently using serums, lotions or face packs. Even resorting to drastic chemical/surgical procedures at the dermatologist’s isn’t quite capable of giving satisfactory results.  Nevertheless, you can try and minimize their appearance at least temporarily with clever makeup and a few natural skin care masks such as these: * Cleanse your face with a mild ...

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...

Water – some health benefits of drinking it

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION For normal metabolism, a human body releases 500ml of water in the form of urine every day. Through breathing and sweating, the body releases another 500ml-800ml of water. Therefore maintaining a content of 1000ml of water in one’s body is of utmost importance at all times. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Water helps the blood in transporting nutrients, antibodies and blood cells to infected areas when sick and it removes toxin and waste from the body. With this, it smoothens metabolism and at the same time increases the immunity of the body.