How cleanliness boosts your immunity

After the COVID pandemic, many of us take hygiene far more seriously than we did before – and that’s a good thing! Good hygiene plays a big role in how well our immune system functions and a stronger immunity means a reduced risk of infections.

Let’s learn more about cleanliness and its links to immunity. Remember: by taking steps each day to maintain a good level of cleanliness, you can boost your immunity, leading to fewer illnesses.

Prevents the spread of germs

• Regular handwashing, cleaning surfaces and sticking to good hygiene habits helps to minimise contact with the harmful bacteria and viruses that can take a toll on your immune system.

Minimises toxin build-up

• Good hygiene, including dental hygiene, helps to eliminate toxins and waste that can weaken your body’s natural defences over time.

Protects your skin

• Your skin is a major barrier against infections. Keeping it clean supports its ability to block harmful microbes.

Improves healthy gut bacteria

• Clean food and water prevent harmful bacteria from entering your digestive system. This is where most of your immune function is found.

Lessens chronic inflammation

• A clean-living environment reduces exposure to allergens and pollutants, which can lead to chronic inflammation and weaken your immune system.

What about kids’ immunity?

You may have heard that children should be exposed to dirt and germs to develop a strong immune system. There is some validity to this theory.

A child’s immune system must have exposure to a range of harmless microbes to learn how to respond appropriately. This "training" helps them distinguish between harmful and harmless organisms, reducing the risk of allergies and immune-related conditions.

The idea is that if children are raised in extremely sanitised environments, they are more prone to allergies and autoimmune disorders because the immune system can’t cope with everyday germs and bacteria.

You can allow your child to play outside and interact with nature, naturally getting dirty in the process, and still encourage good hygiene. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom or before eating. You could even teach them about germs and bacteria in an age-appropriate way, so they understand why cleanliness is important.

Hygiene tips

• Cleanliness is vital, but allowing no exposure to germs at all can be counterproductive. A weaker immune system is more vulnerable to allergies and autoimmune disorders.
• Good hygiene isn't just about staying clean — it also means a healthy balance of good bacteria, especially in the gut. Make fermented foods and probiotics a key focus of your diet to support this healthy balance.
• Don’t forget to sanitise often-forgotten items like your water bottle. Reusable water bottles can shelter bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Wash them thoroughly after each use.
• Makeup brushes can also collect bacteria and dead skin cells. Clean them regularly to prevent skin issues and infections.
• Don’t forget to clean your showerhead. Mineral deposits and bacteria can quickly accumulate in showerheads. Regularly clean or replace them to maintain good water quality.

Good to know

Like a finely tuned vehicle, your immune system works best when all parts are whole and balanced. Good hygiene is an important cog in this machinery, so take steps each day to practise cleanliness to build and maintain a strong immunity.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.