UNIPE 2016/2

TEXTO:

  Most of us think of germs as ‘dirty’ — and
dangerous. But as you’ve probably heard, you’re crawling
with bugs, and these microbes are crucial for digestion,
skin health, and immunity. People now know to take it
[5] easy on antibiotics and eat lots of fermented foods, but
our squeaky-clean lifestyle is still a big problem, says
Robynne Chutkan, M.D., the founder of the Digestive
Center for Women in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Regular
contact with dirt and grime teaches your microbiome how
[10] to recognize friendly germs versus foes, Dr. Chutkan
explains. She gave us some tips for swapping out our
super clean lifestyle for one that’s filled with more bugs.
  • First things first, what’s wrong with soap?
  There’s a role for the occasional bar of soap when

[15] we’re particularly grubby, but a mild soap made from
organic ingredients, rather than anti-bacterial soaps that
are often full of harsh chemicals, is definitely the way to
go. By scouring ourselves in the shower every day, we
are actually stripping our skin of bacteria that keep us
[20] acne — and eczema — free. Unless you’ve just finished
a Mud Run, the only places that need daily soaping are
your armpits and groin. The rest of your body does fine
with a rinse — even after a sweaty workout. Dirt doesn’t
cause disease — but repeatedly killing off the good
[25] bacteria on our skin may actually harm our immunity.
  • What is one thing that most people do in
terms of cleanliness that is unnecessary?
  Harsh hand sanitizers! Unless you’ve been hanging
out on an Ebola ward, the vast majority of microbes on
[30] your skin and hands are not virulent germs that cause
serious infection; they’re harmless bacteria that won’t
hurt you.
  • Even during cold and flu season?
  Yes, you should take a bit more precaution when
[35] your co-workers are coughing and sneezing non-stop.
But you still don’t need anti-bacterial soaps and
cleansers; those work against bacteria, and the common
cold and flu is caused by a virus. All that’s necessary
during cold and flu season is regularly washing hands
[40] with all-natural soap and warm water for at least 20
seconds. This dislodges viruses and bacteria, so they
wash down the drain, whereas antibacterial soaps expose
you to antibiotics you don’t need in your life.

MOST of us...Disponível em: <news.health.com/2015/10/06/heres-whyyou-don’t-need-to-shower-with-soap/>. Acesso em: 13 maio 2016.