For the normal development of immunity, bacteria, viruses and other “pests” are needed. This truth was once again proven by scientists who have investigated microbes for the ISS.
Total bacteria
It turned out that there are a lot of bacteria living in the ISS, but their species composition is very poor and differs from what surrounds people in a natural environment on Earth. Bacteria that live on the skin and other human organs predominate on the surfaces of the station. Due to the fact that antiseptics are actively used at the cosmic end, even a small amount of earthly bacteria that live in the soil, water and fall into the ISS, are simply destroyed. It turns out a very unbalanced microflora, which provokes inflammation of the skin and disorders in the operation of the immune system among crew members. To reduce the number of these diseases, American astrobiologists and space doctors proposed to populate the station with bacteria from the Earth.
Some parents arrange a situation at home, similar to the one that on the ISS, when they uselessly use antibacterial and antiseptic agents – gels, soap, napkins, detergents. And then they are surprised that the child often gets sick or has allergies.
Do not force immunity to starve
“It is very important for the child to contact infection – bacteria, viruses, as well as parasites, allergens. So he teaches his immunity, ”said AIF.RU Expert “Popular Front. Analytics”, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatrics of Sechenov University, Pediatrician Morozov Children’s Hospital Pavel Berezhansky. -Since the late 1970s, there has been a hygienic theory of allergies. Its essence is as follows: the more we clean the environment around, the less a child contacts microorganisms, helminths, the higher the risk of allergies. And not only her, but also autoimmune diseases, as well as more frequent SARS when the child goes to kindergarten or school. ”
The doctor explained that the most important period for the formation of immunity is the first thousand days of the child’s life (this is three years of life plus the intrauterine period). Therefore, the main vaccination is carried out in the first years – it is important to begin to train immunity.
A child is born almost one hundred percent “empty” immunity. The formation of its immune system can be figuratively represented in the form of a large pie or circle, from which every time the child intersects with some kind of microorganism, infection, a small piece is pinned. And immunity begins to produce protective bodies against this agent. If the child does not meet with pathogens and allergens, this circle is not consumed, there is nothing to work with the immune system, the so -called hunger of the immune system occurs. And “hungry” immunity begins to rush to normal products – an apple, chicken, etc. Thus, it is very important for the child to contact infections, helminths, allergens. He teaches his immunity.
Clean, but not sterile
The doctor recalled that bacteria live in our body: “There are practically no sterile conditions in the body, except for some parts of the nervous system. Bacteria live on the skin, protecting us from a huge number of external factors, they live in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, where they create a protective film from the hit of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, in the intestines, etc. And they need to get acquainted with an early age – at home, on the street, on a walk. Bacteria will populate the intestines and create, in fact, a separate organ. This symbiosis of the correct bacteria (microflora), which the child will receive up to three years, will be approximately 90%. ”
However, it is important not to confuse hypoallergenicity with sterility, the doctor warns. The child should live in a clean house, so it is necessary to regularly clean, ventilate the room, clean the air if necessary, etc. But you should not abuse antiseptics, drugs against bacteria, fungi, etc. In everything you need to show a measure and common sense.
Source: aif.ru