Unseen Germ Hotspots

Unseen Germ Hotspots: Sneaky Ways They Lurk & Natural Solutions.

Over the last couple of years, we have become more aware of how crucial washing our hands can be. And it’s not just that pesky virus that we need to think about. There are lots of other germs (bacteria and viruses, even mould) that can cause us to get sick. And they don’t just get on our hands!

In our daily routines, our focus on hygiene often centres around visible sources of potential contamination, yet numerous unsuspecting spots lurk beneath our radar as prime hotspots for gathering germs. From commonplace actions such as handshakes and high-fives to the less conspicuous, like kitchen sponges and the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones, germs find myriad ways to hitch a ride into our lives.

But it’s important to note that germ theory is just one part of the puzzle in immune health. The other side of the coin, terrain theory, is also crucial. Traditional germ theory suggests that specific pathogens cause disease, leading to the development of antibiotics and sanitation practices to combat these invaders.

On the other hand, terrain theory focuses on the internal environment of the body, suggesting that the state of our immune system, our microbiome and our overall health, including factors like nutrition, stress, and lifestyle, all play a fundamental role in disease susceptibility. When the body’s terrain is robust, it can resist and fight off pathogens more effectively.

These theories get pitted against each other a lot, but the reality is that both concepts are true – yes pathogens can cause disease, but not everyone exposed to a pathogen gets sick – likely due to their terrain. While addressing the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses and mould is essential, what is equally vital for maintaining optimal health is fortifying the body’s internal environment.

To promote a healthy immune system, it’s crucial to focus on lifestyle factors that support overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods provides essential nutrients that strengthen the immune system. Sugar, processed foods, takeaways and alcohol can all have a negative impact on your terrain so limiting these helps too. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and staying hydrated are also fundamental for a robust immune response.

If you do succumb to a pesky cold or flu, my first port of call is A.Vogel’s Echinaforce Echinacea Drops or Tablets. Echinaforce is a traditional herbal remedy used to relieve the symptoms of cold, flu and upper respiratory tract infections. It helps maintain the body’s resistance by supporting the immune system.

So, with all that in mind, let’s undercover spots where pesky germs love to hang out, and most importantly, how to shoo them away naturally without harming your terrain too much!

• Mobile Phones:These days, mobiles are practically extensions of our hands, collecting germs as we touch various surfaces. Our phones accompany us everywhere – from the kitchen to the office, on public transport to the bathroom. The exterior of phones provides a warm and often moist environment due to the accumulation of sweat, humidity, and exposure to various surfaces, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.

Prevention Tips: There are some sanitisers you can use on electronics if you feel the need to disinfect your phone.

• Kitchen Sponges:Sponges can hold onto moisture, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. They can harbour an astonishing number of bacteria. A cubic centimetre of a kitchen sponge can contain millions of bacteria, making it one of the dirtiest items in a typical household.

Prevention Tips: Pour boiling water over your sponge each morning before using and replace the sponge after a few days.

Alternatives: Swap to silicone scrubbers that dry quickly and don’t allow bacteria to live on them like moist sponges do or use more old-school dishcloths which is what I use.

• Makeup Brushes:Makeup brushes accumulate bacteria and oils, even mould, if not cleaned regularly. Without proper cleaning, they become ideal breeding grounds for germs in a very similar way to kitchen sponges.

Prevention Tips: Regularly clean makeup brushes with a gentle, natural brush cleaner or mild shampoo, ensuring all residue is removed. Allow brushes to fully air-dry before reusing to prevent bacterial or mould growth.

Alternatives: You can consider disposable makeup applicators.

• Reusable Shopping Bags:While the shift to reusable shopping bags has been great for the environment, they rarely ever get washed!

Prevention Tips: Wash bags regularly with eco-friendly detergent and let them dry completely.

Alternatives: You can of course also opt for biodegradable single-use bags.

• Computer Keyboards:Computer keyboards, often overlooked in regular cleaning routines, are hotspots for harbouring an array of crumbs, dust, and bacteria accumulated from fingertips.

Prevention Tips: Using a disinfectant specifically made for electronics can effectively clean keyboards. It’s also helpful to use a soft brush or a specialised keyboard cleaning tool to dislodge debris from the keys, allowing the disinfectant to reach all the nooks and crannies.

Alternatives: Consider silicone keyboard covers that are easier to clean.

• Pet Fur and Accessories: Anyone with a pet knows how hard it is to keep the house clean, but have you considered the unseen germs that pets can bring into your home? Pets’ fur, collars, and toys can carry bacteria, transferring it to various surfaces in your home.

Prevention Tips: Regularly wash pet accessories and groom your pet to reduce shedding and potential germ transfer.

• Towels and Bathmats:Damp towels and bathmats can foster bacterial growth, especially if left unwashed for too long.

Prevention Tips: Wash towels and bathmats regularly at high temperatures, and ensure they are thoroughly dried after each use.

Alternatives: Consider using quick-drying, antimicrobial towels or bamboo mats that naturally resist bacterial growth.

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