"Babies and young kids are being raised in surroundings that are increasingly cleaner, more hyper hygienic, and more disinfected than ever before. As a result, the beneficial bacteria in their bodies is being altered, promoting conditions and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies, and autism. There is much that parents can do about this, including breastfeeding if possible, getting a dog, and avoiding antibiotics unless necessary - and yes, it is okay to let kids get a bit dirty."--Provided by the publisher.
Record details
ISBN:9781771642545 (paperback)
Physical Description:xiii, 288 pages ; 23 cm regular print print
Children are microbe magnets -- A newly discovered organ : the human microbiome -- Pregnancy : eating for two? Try eating for trillions -- Birth : welcome to the world of microbes -- Breast milk : liquid gold -- Solid foods : a growing diet for microbes -- Antibiotics : carpet bombing the microbiota -- Pets : a microbe's best friend -- Lifestyle : microbe deficit disorder -- Obesity : the world is getting heavier -- Diabetes : microbes have a sweet tooth -- Intestinal diseases : fire in the gut! -- Asthma and allergies : microbes keep up breathing easy -- Gut feelings : microbiota and the brain -- Vaccines work! -- Bugs as drugs.