We all assume that dirt is akin to germs and should be removed as soon as possible. There are numerous cleaning companies who make a multitude of products to help us stay hygienic. But in certain cases, the grimy stuff might actually be good for us in a surprising number of ways – scientists have discovered that dirt can actually help to keep us healthy.
Faeces
Researchers are analysing human excrement in order to help understand the microbes that live in our stomachs, and how they impact our overall health. Such bacterial colonies can help us to understand how bacteria work in the rest of the body which may offer an insight into the effect on the body. Scientists are studying stool samples from both healthy people as well as those with health conditions to better understand the onset and impact of disease, which could pose possible treatments for a range of conditions.
Mould
A generic term for a range of fungi that grows on rotting organic materials and in damp spots, mould can be found primarily on shower curtains or on rotting food. Mould can easily cause sickness which is why it is usually removed very quickly when found in the home. But, if it is used in the right way, it can actually be extremely useful to us. Surprisingly, mould is the basis for a variety of antibiotics as they are able to attack and kill a range of bacteria that are harmful to humans. In fact, Alexander Fleming created Penicillin in 1928 by discovering that the mould spores killed the bacteria in a dish of bacterial growth.
Hydrogen Sulphide
The distinctive smell of hydrogen sulphide can be found when food is rotting or from sewage. However, research has discovered that this gas can also be an indicator of vital biological processes that occur in the human body. The presence of hydrogen sulphide causes cells to commit suicide which halts the harmful processes that may occur. In addition to being a useful element in the body’s self-healing function, it also may indicate conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide is a potent and poisonous gas which is emitted from car exhausts. However, it has been suggested that it is also essential to life – most living creatures actually contain a small amount of it in their bodies as a way of transmitting signals for vital biological functions. These include activating cells, increasing the production of white blood cells in fighting bacteria and dilating arteries.
The once disparaged dirt and grime found in our homes could actually be the answer to a healthier lifestyle – whilst general hygiene and cleanliness is still encouraged in order to stay healthy, there are circumstances in which dirt can be a useful ally.
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