I think I'm gonna have to throw it out....

[Gonzo]

Yes, it is absolutely true that western society in general has become so afraid of germs. And I suppose the purpose of separating us from the environment makes good sense. Perhaps getting society to trust a laboratory more than nature is part of it as well.

There has been a good side affect though, more people are now interested in fresh food, including fruits and vegetables, especially organic. So, if the fear of a toxic environment can be directed through knowledge to make healthier choices, there might be a way out.

One problem I can see growing is the fact that people have become so accustomed to preventing bacteria in their environment that they can no longer withstand even the smallest amount of foreign bacteria in their system. Perhaps that's part of the plan as well.

The growing back to the earth, localvore and urban farming movements are encouraging, methinks.

I should add that the germophobia is mostly an urban thing and not as prevalent in rural areas.

I wondering how we break out of the catch-22 of having our autoimmune systems accustomed to sterile environments without killing us while we start undoing this germaphobia. I am thinking it would take intention to take in trace amounts first of certain pathogens to slowly re-accustom our systems to them. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Gonzo

 

[herondancer]

I should add that the germophobia is mostly an urban thing and not as prevalent in rural areas.

I wondering how we break out of the catch-22 of having our autoimmune systems accustomed to sterile environments without killing us while we start undoing this germaphobia. I am thinking it would take intention to take in trace amounts first of certain pathogens to slowly re-accustom our systems to them. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Gonzo

Getting back outside and on the earth is a good start. Every year I notice I have a couple of days of sneezing when I first start working in the garden. It's especially noticeable when I open up the greenhouse. As my system gets accustomed to the dust and pollen and whatnot, I feel better. After being indoors most of the Canadian winter, my immune system gets a little rusty. It's the old maxim that "kid's should eat a pound of dirt by the time they are five". I have a totally organic garden, and I don't worry about pulling a carrot up now and again and just wiping it off really well and eating it. Immunizing, not to mention delicious! :P

Herondancer