Is your child eating boogers in front of you?
Good parent that you are, you wonder…
"Hey, by the way, are boogers good or bad for your health?".
Good question:should you be worried when your child goes on a treasure hunt in his nostrils?
For my part, I recognize it:my daughter eats her boogers.
When I asked her why she was doing this, she just shrugged her shoulders and she simply replied:
"Well, mom... because it's good!".
No matter how much I tell her to stop, I often catch her sticking her index finger up her nostrils.
Of course, eating boogers sucks. But is it good or bad for children's health?
Note: I wrote this text for humorous purposes only, not to give medical advice. Like many children, my daughter eats her boogers... my article just tries to approach this subject with humor!
Scientifically, boogers are a form of mucus, a viscous, translucent secretion made by the lining of the nostrils.
And what you should know is that this nasal mucus also has an important function.
In fact, it serves to filter and collect the microparticles that enter through the nasal cavities.
Thus, the mucus forms a barrier against dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, exhaust gases and bacteria.
Put simply, it stops all that bad stuff from getting into our lungs and making us sick.
Also be aware that some of this mucus is naturally carried to the back of the throat.
Eh yes ! This means that every day, we eat our own boogers, without even knowing it!
As for the rest of the mucus, it is pushed forward from the nostrils by tiny hairs inside the nostrils, called cilia.
More or less rich in water, the mucus ends up drying out and hardening to give the appearance of our famous "droppings" or "crusts" of the nose.
As you will have understood, our boogers are stuffed with dirt, microparticles and full of other cracra stuff...
But if they're so disgusting, why do kids like to eat them?
Well, believe it or not, it's because they taste good!
This is because boogers tend to taste salty, and sometimes even taste sweet.
In fact, when my daughter says her boogers taste great… she's not entirely wrong!
Yes, it may seem surprising, but it is the reality!
By leaving children exposed to dirt and bacteria, you are helping to strengthen their immune system.
It's like when you let your children play outside instead of leaving them inside the house all day.
Indeed, all the dirt and bacteria collected by the nasal mucus can help the body to strengthen the immune system.
Thus, they act as a kind of "vaccination" to fight diseases.
This is what scientists call the "hygienist hypothesis", a theory that some exposure to bacteria is beneficial to the body.
In the same way, a lifestyle that is too clean and sanitized leads to a weakening of the immune system in young children.
So when children are exposed to microorganisms like germs and bacteria, it boosts their immune response .
And, it is thanks to this mechanism that our body "vaccinates" itself by "learning" to fight against harmful microbes.
By eating their germ-filled boogers, children boost their immune systems and improve their health as adults.
For now, there is only one study to support this theory, conducted by researchers at Harvard University.
But anyway, know that he is really unlikely that eating boogers is unhealthy.
The children pick their noses. And they do it naturally, that's how it is.
Before going to war with your toddler, tell yourself that we've all been there!
When you were a child, you too surely plunged your index finger into a nostril to search for a precious treasure.
But rest assured, children quickly learn that it is better to avoid this habit, or at least in public.
In the meantime, since your child is going to explore his nostrils anyway, you might as well teach him how to do it.
Yes, because there really is a "good" way to pick your nose !
Indeed, pediatricians recommend teaching children to remove their boogers with a tissue, instead of using their fingers.
Not only does this prevent the risk of children scratching their nasal cavities, but it also prevents germs from spreading on their hands.
But above all, it is essential to teach children to wash their hands well after blowing their noses, in order to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria.
To teach your child how to properly pick their nose or wash their hands, I recommend the book Wee, poo and booger by Sophie Dussaussois and Amélie Faliere:
If your child likes to eat their boogers, there's no need to worry...
In fact, it's probably good for your health!
Sooner or later, I know my daughter will understand the norms of our society and...
...like us, she too will stop eating her boogers at least, in public!
Believe me, I have a hollow nose! Me, I always pick my battles...and boogers aren't one of them!
And you, do you let your children eat their boogers? Tell us in comments. We can't wait to read you!
