While advances in sanitation have improved longevity and made modern living a more pleasant experience from an olfactory perspective, over-sanitation may be reducing the diversity of the human microbiome which can impede our bodies' immune responses.
Advice on how to boost the diversity of your microbiome from Kiran Krishnan, a microbiologist and chief scientific officer for Microbiome Lab in Glenview, Ill., and Christopher Carpenter, MD, section head of infectious diseases and international medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., was recently featured in U.S. News & World Report. The germ experts suggested there are safe ways to improve microbiome diversity without shirking good hygiene practices.
Here are three ways to boost microbiome diversity and bolster your immune system.
1. Play in the dirt. People shouldn't be afraid to physically engage with the natural environment, suggested Mr. Krishnan.
"Almost everywhere we go in the environment, from parks to woods to rivers, we come into contact with microbes. They can enter our respiratory system, our digestive system or just hang on our skin," said Mr. Krishnan.
2. Ditch the antibacterial soap and chlorine-based cleaners. The home shouldn't be an overly sterilized place. Dr. Carpenter advised avoiding antibacterial soap — which kills good and bad microbes alike — outside of the hospital setting. At home, Dr. Carpenter favors regular soaps, citrus-based cleaning products and mixtures of lemon juice and water.
3. Hug thy neighbor. Physical human interactions can increase microbiome diversity.
"We don't hug and kiss as much as we should," said Mr. Krishnan. "We need closer interactions with other humans, because that exchange of microbes is important for your immune system."
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