Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)

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. As Let Them Eat Dirt shows, there is much that parents, grandparents, teachers and any healthcare provider can do including getting a dog, and avoiding antibiotics unless necessary—and yes, it is OK to let kids get dirty.