As little kids, we don't tend to have the greatest handle on personal hygiene. Things like the "five-second rule" for dropped food are firmly believed as undeniable facts.
I remember hanging out on the playground and hearing the common phrase, "God made dirt, so dirt don't hurt!" While that logic is obviously a bit flawed, it turns out that there may be more truth to it than myth than we thought when we changed our tune as adults.
Research has recently been released stating that two of the most prolific habits we've previously considered as unsanitary — biting our nails and sucking our thumbs — can actually be a huge benefit to growing children.
Their studies show that the exposure to those germs helps us to avoid more allergies (much like eating local honey!) as we age and adapt to the world around us.
Of course, they aren't saying you should encourage the acts in your youngsters, but maybe nag them a bit less about it when you catch them nibbling away their nails or napping away with their thumb in their mouth.
The researchers refer to this as the "hygiene hypothesis," that by interacting with the bacteria, viruses, and allergens at an early age, the body develops ways to strengthen the immune system.
I have to say, I'm pretty relieved by this new information, considering I've never been able to stop biting my nails! Take a look below to hear more on this fascinating discovery.
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