London: It`s said that cleanliness is next
to godliness -- but super-clean parenting can put kids at risk
of developing heart disease, a new study has revealed.
Researchers have carried out the study and found
that assiduous attention to cleanliness depresses a developing
immune system, which can lead to cardiovascular problems in
kids later in life.
"Contrary to assumptions related to earlier studies,
our research suggests that ultra-clean, ultra-hygienic
environments early in life may contribute to higher levels of
inflammation as an adult, which in turn increases risks for a
wide range of diseases.
"... we have this idea that we need to protect infants
and children from microbes and pathogens at all possible
costs. But we may be depriving developing immune networks of
important environmental input needed to guide their function
throughout childhood and into adulthood.
"Without this input, our research suggests,
inflammation may be more likely to be poorly regulated and
result in inflammatory responses that are overblown or more
difficult to turn off once things get started," Thomas McDade,
who led the study, was quoted by the `Daily Mail` as saying.
PTI
