- Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", which is not only convenient for you to discuss and share, but also brings you a different sense of participation, thank you for your support
At the bustling community health lecture site, Aunt Li sat down in a hurry, her mood as nervous as the lecture materials she held in her hand.
Soon after the lecture began, the doctor's words made her frown: "We have always misunderstood the definition of 'dirty', in fact, some 'dirty' may be the secret of our longevity." ”
Aunt Li is a retired primary school music teacher, and since her retirement, the pace of life has slowed down significantly.
However, today's doctor's words seem to give her a shot in the arm.
The doctor is not an ordinary doctor, he is a famous doctor in the community, Zhang Hong, who is good at explaining complex medical problems in plain language.
Dr. Zhang first talked about the myth of cleanliness.
He explains that while daily cleaning is necessary to maintain basic hygiene, excessive cleansing can weaken our immune system.
He mentions, "There are three kinds of 'dirty', which to a certain extent are actually good for our health. ”
The first type of 'dirty' is what Dr. Zhang calls a "feast of microorganisms".
He explained that our skin and gut are home to tens of thousands of microbes that make up our microbial community.
A healthy microbial community can help us fight disease, boost digestion, and make essential vitamins.
He detailed a study that showed that older adults with diverse microbial communities generally had stronger immune function and a lower risk of chronic disease.
The second type of 'dirty' is "outdoor dust".
Dr. Zhang talks about how outdoor activities can strengthen the body's defense system through exposure to various microorganisms found in nature.
He cites research data showing that older people who spend a lot of time outdoors have significantly better respiratory and cardiovascular conditions than those who spend a lot of time indoors.
Dr Cheung encourages everyone, especially the retired elderly, to participate in outdoor activities such as gardening or simple walks.
The last type of 'dirty' is "imperfection in the diet".
Dr Teo points out that the pursuit of a low-fat, high-fiber diet may not be right for everyone.
The right amount of fat and sugar can provide extra energy to help seniors maintain their weight and energy levels.
He also shared the story of a patient who had a stable weight and improved quality of life after a moderate increase in fat and sugar intake.
Dr. Zhang's presentation was well received, and he supported his views with specific cases and abundant data, which gave Mrs. Li and other audience members a new understanding of "dirty".
He concluded by reminding everyone that everyone's physical condition is different, and that you should consult your doctor before making a health plan.
After the lecture, Aunt Li felt that the confusion and worry in her heart were released.
She decided to go home and re-evaluate her lifestyle, and perhaps, the 'dirty' she had been avoiding was actually a boost to her health.
This story begs the question: how do we find a balance between maintaining the necessary cleanliness and protecting natural immunity in a society where modern hygiene standards are generally rising?
First, modern medical research supports that moderate exposure to microorganisms in the natural environment can promote the maturation and function of the immune system.
For example, some studies have noted that early childhood exposure to farm environments is associated with a lower incidence of allergies.
Second, proper "dirty" can provide more biodiversity by "inoculating" our microbial communities, which can help us defend against external pathogens.
Finding a balance therefore requires a combination of public health policies and personal life choices.
Policymakers should take into account the relationship between sanitation and immune health and promote health guidance that embraces exposure to the natural environment.
Individuals, on the other hand, need to adjust their living environment and behaviors according to their own conditions to maintain the optimal state of the immune system.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!