An excessive need for cleanliness can disrupt the delicate balance of our microbiome and therefore affect our immune system. Researchers emphasize that a near-sterile home can do more harm than good.
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What do the researchers say? Science agrees: If we keep our homes too clean, the diversity of microbes suffers – and that has consequences for our health. According to the Pharmazeutische Zeitung (via PZ), the microbiome significantly influences our health by regulating the immune system and influencing the risk of certain diseases.
A current study also shows: Many of the microbes that live in our households protect our immune system and are important for our health (via nature). Their absence has been linked to an increased risk of allergies, asthma and other autoimmune diseases.
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What are microbiomes anyway? The microbiome includes all microorganisms that populate our body, for example. These microbes perform important tasks such as supporting the immune system, producing vitamins and protecting against pathogens. The microbiome of each person is composed individually and varies from person to person (via Springer).
It consists largely of bacteria, the number of which actually exceeds that of the human body cells. Most of these bacteria are found in the gastrointestinal tract. Many of them take on essential functions for humans, such as the production of vitamins or protection against pathogens (via DZIF). In addition, there are also microbes in our environment, for example in the home, that also interact with us and influence our immune system.
An attacked microbiome is rather bad
Why does the microbiome have an impact on our immune system? A diverse microbiome trains our immune system by developing immune tolerance to beneficial microbes while fighting harmful pathogens. If this diversity is missing, the immune system can be dysregulated, which increases the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Over-cleaning with antimicrobial products can damage the microbiome and weaken the immune system. Especially in childhood, excessive cleanliness can prevent the immune system from being trained through contact with harmless microbes.
Clean, sterile or disinfected – what’s the difference? The terms “sterile”, “clean” and “disinfected” are often equated, but describe different hygiene conditions (via Steriblog):
While it may sound good, a sterile living environment would probably be more damaging to one’s immune system and overall health because it ultimately affects the beneficial microbiome. A living environment that is as sterile or disinfected as possible does not make sense.
Balance is key
How much is enough? This doesn’t mean that we should forego hygiene, because without regular cleaning, dangerous germs such as mold or bacteria from food can accumulate. And the COVID-19 pandemic has also shown how essential hygiene routines are to prevent the spread of diseases. Regular hand washing and cleaning surfaces continue to be important measures to protect against infections.
However, as the NDR (via NDR) recommends, aggressive disinfectants should only be used where they are really necessary, such as in the toilet or after preparing raw meat. Mild cleaning products such as soapy water or vinegar are sufficient for everyday use. Regular ventilation also helps to create a healthy indoor climate and prevent mold formation.
Not only excessive cleanliness, but also sitting in front of a screen for hours can cause health problems. You can read that here: After 10 years on Twitch, 27-year-old reports health problems due to too much gaming