68 - Why Your Kids Should Get Sick and How It Can Save Their Life

Okay, mama...

Let’s talk about germs. 

The stuff we’ve been told to fear, sanitize, and scrub out of our homes. But what if some of those germs are actually helping our kids? And what if our well-meaning efforts to keep them squeaky clean are doing more harm than good?

In this episode, I’m diving into the science behind how our kids’ immune systems are supposed to develop—and why that runny nose might actually be doing something important.

We’ll look at research that compares two farming communities, explore a surprising link between childhood illnesses and long-term disease prevention, and unpack why “no sickness” isn’t always a sign of thriving health.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to let your kids get dirty or worried that every little virus needs an immediate fix—this conversation is for you.

Grab a cup of tea, dig your feet into the dirt, and let’s rethink what it really means to raise resilient, healthy kids in a world that’s trying to sterilize everything.

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Want to work together?

Step 1: Schedule a Health Resource Research Coaching Call 

Step 2: Learn the skills and tools you need to feel confident about your health decisions

Step 3: Enjoy your newfound freedom and all of the resources right at your fingertips!

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Photo Cred: @derricktorvik 

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Sources:

Motika C, Papachristou C, Abney M, Lester L, Ober C. “Rising prevalence of asthma is sex-specific in a US farming population.” J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011;128:774-779 [2] 

Holbreich M, Genuneit J, Weber J, Braun-Fahrländer C, Waser M, von Mutius E. “Amish children living in northern Indiana have a very low prevalence of allergic sensitization.” J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012;129:1671-1673 

Stein M, Hrusch CL, Gozdz J, et al. “Innate Immunity and Asthma Risk in Amish and Hutterite Farm Children.” NEJM 2016;375:411-421

“Leading UK scientist reveals likely cause of childhood leukaemia.” EurekAlert Institute of Cancer Research May 21 2018 Greaves M. “A causal mechanism for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.” Nat Rev Cancer 2018;18:471-484