Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Child Healthier

by Dr. B. Brett Finlay OC PhD, Marie-Claire Arrieta

“A must-read . . . Takes you inside a child’s gut and shows you how to give kids the best immune start early in life.” —William Sears, MD, coauthor of The Baby Book

Like the culture-changing Last Child in the Woods, here is the first parenting book to apply the latest cutting-edge scientific research about the human microbiome to the way we raise our children.

In the two hundred years since we discovered that microbes cause infectious diseases, we’ve battled to keep them at bay. But a recent explosion of scientific knowledge has led to undeniable evidence that early exposure to these organisms is beneficial to a child’s well-being. Our modern lifestyle, with its emphasis on hyper-cleanliness, is taking a toll on children’s lifelong health.

In this engaging and important book, microbiologists Brett Finlay and Marie-Claire Arrieta explain how the trillions of microbes that live in and on our bodies influence childhood development; why an imbalance of those microbes can lead to obesity, diabetes, and asthma, among other chronic conditions; and what parents can do--from conception on--to positively affect their own behaviors and those of their children. They describe how natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and solid foods influence children’s microbiota. They also offer practical advice on matters such as whether to sterilize food implements for babies, the use of antibiotics, the safety of vaccines, and why having pets is a good idea. 

Forward-thinking and revelatory, Let Them Eat Dirt is an essential book in helping us to nurture stronger, more resilient, happy, and healthy kids. 

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Health, Science, Biology, Nature, Family

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2016

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic]

I had this non-fiction book since it first came out, but somehow never got around it.
Now when I finally gave it a chance, I am glad I read it at this point of my life, when I'm a mum to a newborn and can learn so much about developing his immunity.

I think this book gives valuable informations and advices, and it is also written in interesting way which makes it easy for everyone to understand what the authors wanted to say.
It is also full of examples which makes it even more easy to understand.

I would recommend it to parents of little children and newborns, and to parents to be.

Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com

[Mischenko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had higher expectations when I started reading this. Over and over the authors state that we've ruined our guts which has now led to many disorders like asthma and allergies to name a few, with a list of do's and don'ts after each. Yet, many of the studies need more research and are inconclusive. Not only that, I hoped that I could learn about what I can do now to help myself and my kids. What should I eat? What should I drink? Supplements? Should we take a daily probiotic? No information was given on that, but I'm guessing it's a must.

The book does however explain all the things we're doing wrong. The importance of breastfeeding, playing outside, healthy diet and exercise etc. is emphasized. Overall, a book worth reading, but glad I didn't purchase it because it's a lot of reiterating known facts.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ahhh this book was so interesting. I’ve never strongly agreed with 50% of a book while strongly disagreeing with the remaining 50%, ha! Loved all of the fascinating info about microbiota, bacteria, diet, the importance of using antibiotics very sparingly, improving pregnancy health, how to deliver babies in the most ideal environments, raising babies/toddlers/children with healthy bacterial exposure, etc. But strongly disagreed with the evolutionary information and pro all vaccines stance. Some great information and I’m glad I listened to it, but can’t give it more than 2 stars because of the specific content I disagreed with.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting information regarding the "bugs" that inhabit the human gut and, in turn, affect one's general health (and how diet, cleanliness, antibiotics, etc. factor into the equation). However, I was put off by, one, the majority of the information being inconclusive, from a scientific and medical standpoint (most of what is discussed has only been studied in animals, if at all), and two, the majority of the "advice" being, therefore, inconclusive, not to mention conflicting (e.g., you don't have to wash your hands too much ...just before eating, after using the bathroom, if you've been in contact with someone sick, etc.—as in, as usual).

But, if you're willing to dig through the conjecture, you may nevertheless find some reasonable (and potentially liberating) rationale to more or less let your kids get dirty.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to digest (no pun intended) after reading this book. I've never been fearful of germs and allow my children to get dirty/play in mud/chew on sticks, so maybe the perspective was just reiterating my beliefs BUT it provided strong scientific evidence to allow our kids to do these things. If anything, this should be mandatory reading for parents during this COVID time period. We're creating an even MORE oversanitized environment for children (which will have nothing but detrimental affects if we don't correct it sooner than later!) Our bodies are miraculous and capable of much more on their own than people would like to believe.

[Jess Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed this book and found it interesting. Personally for me I found that my mind wandered a bit as they seem to repeat themselves in parts. Also some parts I just didn't find interesting so my attention waned

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through goodreads giveaways. All opinions are my own.

As a researcher, seeing how many studies were "inconclusive," yet the authors still decide to write about those conditions and topics in relation to gut biome, was disheartening. It became an opinion piece.

[Emily Kyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of repetitive, I thought it would be more practical for parents, but it basically just said there’s lots more research to be done so let your children play outside and interact with others to grow their immune systems. Kind of common sense stuff and most of the studies were just beginning on this subject so I’d be interested in seeing how the book would updated years later after more conclusive research.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent introduction for people who have not yet heard much about the emerging science of the human microbiome. The early chapters provide a slightly more detailed biological breakdown of the "why" behind the arguments in favor of natural birth and breastfeeding than is common. These insights are given in a conversational tone that (one can only assume) the authors intend to sound approachable. Unfortunately as the chapters progress, they trip and fall over the line between approachable and vapidly twee (case in point: discussing information gained from fecal bacteria analysis as a "massive dump of data", p. 244). A little more scientific structure would have been welcome--for instance, though endnotes are provided, the corresponding citation numbers do not appear next to the relevant text. Their arguments on behalf of the importance of vaccination would also have benefited from some scholarly rigor--that chapter tied with the chapter on the microbial benefits of dogs for fewest citations. The authors acknowledge that for many this is a highly emotionally charged topic; they have no excuse, therefore, for failing to bring their A game.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found myself skimming over some of the technical and seemingly repetitive parts of the book, it changed my mindset away from overly protective hygeine in raising our two boys. I now laugh if the dog licks my son's face, not cringe. They still have to wash their hands when we come in from outside, but not always before meals. I have been able to steer the doctor away from giving antibiotics for minor colds. We have yogurt every day. And I am still quite fascinated by how the gut flora and fauna can change everything in the body.

[Renee Masterson Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much I didn’t already know as a biologist and former microbiology teacher. But a helpful read if you’re starting out your journey after being discontent with traditional medicine or feeling like there MUST BE MORE to the story. This book isn’t “anti-medicine” nor is it “anti-credentials.” There are plenty of peer-reviewed studies mentioned in this book.

But it does shine light on a massive part of health that has been widely ignored in favor of medications that mask symptoms. Your gut is your second brain and it controls way more than you are made to believe (but good news, you change it pretty quickly in the grand scheme of things). This book may help you feel empowered as you make wise choices for your child when it comes their health—both mind and body. It shows you that you don’t have to trash your gut with the American way. There are incredibly simple and inexpensive ways to increase diversity of gut microbiota which has proven helpful in reducing ADHD symptoms, obesity, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and anxiety.

Overall, I’ll keep providing my kids with barefoot time outside, keep showers to a minimum, let them eat off the floor, use modern medicine as my last option, and enjoy ice cream every now and again.

We’ve been on a long journey with my son but over the last 2 years his entire gut is healed, his brain inflammation and aggression is almost nonexistent, the dilation of his eyes is reduced, and he has a laugh in his mouth every day. I have a different kid because of microbes, and I wish everyone could love their gut intentionally with pre- and probiotic rich foods because they love your brain back.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may have read this book in the hopes that it would validate my regular invocation of the 5 (or 10...or 20...) second rule for eating food I've dropped on the ground. Which it mostly did, so in that sense I am satisfied with this book. I grew up in the 90s where I ran barefoot everywhere, including the woods, and fed a lot of goats for 4H and turns out thats one of the best possible things my parents could have done for my microbiome and subsequent childhood development (aside from a vaginal birth). So thanks, mom!

This book is not very well written, nor entertaining, and contains a lot of "from this one study we saw this so we think this is true but because it was only one study we can't really say" so you're left with at least 12 lingering question marks, not that much definitive information, and pretty bored.

The main thing it did was confirm how important it is to be kinda nasty and to let your kid be kinda nasty, with the line being drawn at "try not to get sick" and "don't eat anything visibly decaying". Basically, the more (non-harmful) bacteria we're exposed to, the healthier we are, and the better your entire body functions.

Also, if you're someone who is trying to talk your family into getting a dog, this book will back you up, as long as you plan to sleep in bed with it and let it lick your face (no to both, thank you).

[Jeffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stopped reading the book part way through. Much of the points made are based on the assumption of millions of years of evolution. A world view that is so flawed that I can’t really give much credence to the conclusions of this book when it sits upon a flawed foundation for its investigation. Bummed because I was hoping to learn some helpful information about what parameters to implement with my child’s activities.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Incredibly interesting topic, written in an easy to understand way. The authors back up their points with peer reviewed research, which I appreciate. Overall, a very informative and fascinating read!

[sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diversify your child's microbiota!!!

[Rosemary Cannarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info, heavily repetitive, and out of date already. The field is moving fast.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a review of first year microbio+ pro fecal transplant propaganda than anything haha

I found it quite repetitive and over explained... The whole first third seemed to be about antibiotic resistance and then just general gut health stuff. I didn't find it had much to do with the title therefore was not really what I was expecting

[Desiree Kreger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really interesting science!!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written by two microbiologists. Super interesting stuff about the microbiome and the gut / brain relationship. It said the gut has the second most number of neurons, second to the brain. And they used to think the brain dictated to the gut but now scientist also think the gut dictates to the brain. The book includes various chapters on pregnancy, c-section vs vaginal deliveries, breastfeeding, Autism, vaccines, IBS, ect. The last chapter talks about a new alternative treatment for c-diff. The YouTube video in the link below explains it simply. But apparently they also have used the fecal transplants for a number of other things, including to treat autism (not yet proven, still being studied).

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastr...

[Erika Krasinskė · Rating 4 out of 5]

70% knygos buvo išties puiki: labai daug naudingos infornacijos apie mikrobiotą, gyvenančią mumyse:
- apie nėščias moteris, į ką atkreipti dėmesį,
- kūdikiai ir ūgtelėję vaikai + mityba;
- naminiai gyvunai ir jų bakterijos;
- antibiotikai ir probiotikai bei jų įtaka mikrobiotai (labai labai įdomi dalis)!
- ir daug kitos išsamios info, kurią verta žinoti visiems, ne tik turintiems vaikų 👌

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ this book provided a really interesting perspective on the “overly sanitized” environment that many Western parents try to create for their children while shedding light on the importance of the microbiome’s development in the first years of life (including during pregnancy and childbirth). The book explores the link between gut health (as impacted by many environmental factors) and the development of chronic conditions later in life, including obesity, asthma, allergies, and diabetes.

I am not a big science person, but I was interested to learn more about microbiology as presented in simplified terms for a layman audience. It was really amazing to read about how something as short-lived as a C-section or a course of antibiotics can alter a child’s microbiome for the rest of their lives. Because of the emphasis on pregnancy and means of birth, I would really recommend this to women who are currently pregnant or even trying to conceive; it offers a lot to think about regarding how the decisions we make during pregnancy and birth can impact our kids in ways many people probably don’t think about. The authors offer practical advice to apply the information, as well.

I will say that I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second because I felt like they got into the weeds of the science a little more in the second half. Since science isn’t really my thing, as I mentioned, I did end up skimming through some sections towards the end. Nevertheless, I do still think they did a good job explaining concepts in terms that were accessible to general audiences.

I do have a few significant critiques of the book, however. The first is that the authors write with an evolutionary perspective. This isn’t really surprising considering their discipline, but it does directly contradict my personal worldview. For example, I don’t believe that “millions of years of evolution have designed” a mother’s breastmilk to be the perfect source of nutrition for the first months of a baby’s life when his/her digestive tract would not be capable of digesting solid foods; I believe that God purposefully created women with the capability to nourish their babies with the perfect food for them.

A second critique would be the lack of references. They did specifically refer to various studies, but there were no citations that directly correlated with the conclusions drawn from each source. There was a “for further reading section” at the end (arranged by chapter), but information stated in the chapter itself was not tied to these specific sources. Studies were often described using language such as “a recent study of 65,000 children in the US” but rarely more specific than that. If a reader were interested in verifying the claims by reading the studies mentioned, it would probably be difficult to do so. There was also a good bit of speculating (they did freely admit this).

My third critique is how they handled the discussion on vaccines. Again, this was not surprising considering the discipline, but it felt too heavy-handed.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book overall. It has a lot of interesting information and things to consider. While I found parts of it a bit dry and hard to read, I ultimately would recommend this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing look at a burgeoning field of medicine. I've been saying this for years, I've observed my friends and their kids. The families with super clean houses and that were washing all the time were the ones that seemed to always be sick. But the people I know who don't have immaculate houses and who's kids are allowed to get dirty are healthier. I literally let my kid eat dirt when she was little, much to other people's horror.

At one point they discuss the rise in cleanliness, I think they left out one factor in why cleanliness became so popular. I think a major factor is that it's a status symbol, the rich don't have to work, so they don't get dirty. If you look at old 50's appliance commercials and ads aimed at housewives, you can see this message almost directly stated.

They do not claim that this is a magic bullet that will fix everything, but the do look at how antibiotics and over sanitation are harming us as a species. I applaud the FDA for banning 15 components used in anti-bacterial soaps this year, and glad that handsanitizer sales are being banned in my state starting in 2017.

Get messy, let your immune system learning.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Microbes are the smallest forms of life on Earth. They encompasses bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other types of organisms that can be seen only with a microscope. Microbes are also the oldest and most successful forms of life on our planet, having evolved long before plants and animals (plants and animals actually evolved from bacteria). Although invisible to the naked eye, they play a major role in life on Earth.

Authors Finlay and Arrieta explore the history and benefits of non-dangerous Microbes in the body. We learn how we are exposed to Microbes during birth and how Microbes fit in with the development of our immune system. And, the disadvantage of ingesting antibiotics.

Things I Learned

―antibiotics are widely used as growth supplements in agriculture (banned in Europe)

― receiving antibiotics during childhood is associated with
- obesity
- asthma
- allergies

― Microbes
- Digest most foods
- Increase fiber and complex proteins
- Supply Vitamins B and K (Vitamin K helps blood to coagulate)
- Help combat disease-causing microbes

I found Let Them Eat Dirt an important read.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank B. Brett Finlay, Marie-Claire Arrieta, NetGalley, and Algonquin Books for the advanced digital copy for an honest review. Much of this book covers microbiota, the connection between the pathogenic microorganisms and how they share our body space. It begins prior to conception to birth and beyond. This book is an all encompassing, from dirt, to germs, breastfeeding, vaginal births, vaccinations, ADHD, and diet. So maybe we will now pass on that hand sanitizer and as Barbara Kingsolver once said " everyone should get dirt on his hands each day."

[Kate Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and presented. It was a bit more technical reading than I bargained for, but it was a good stretch for me. I found the coverage of asthma, anxiety, ADHD and ASD fascinating and informative. I really appreciated the do/don't summaries at the end of each chapter as it helped me synthesize what I had learned.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if the title makes you feel somewhat cautious (should I really let my kids eat dirt, and how would that protect their health?), I suggest not to worry and read the book to learn more. If not actually eating dirt, getting dirty does have more health benefits than we might expect!

Let Them Eat Dirt, written by two scientists in 2016 in the style of popular nonfiction, explains how outdoor play and exposure to microbial diversity affect the development of children's microbiota (microorganisms that live in our digestive tract). It also describes how gut microbiota influences the development of the child's immune system, and the ways children's health depend on it.

The authors analyze these relationships starting at childbirth, explaining how a child's immune system goes through a "training process", when it learns to distinguish between harmless microbes and pathogens. Many sources are involved in this learning process: acquiring maternal microbes through childbirth and breastfeeding, food, pets, outdoors ... The authors point out that raising children in excessively sterile environment may lead to the lack of learning experiences for their immune system, which, in turn, may be one of the reasons for the increase of auto-immune diseases, such as allergy and asthma, in developed countries in the past few decades. Such factors as abundance of highly processed foods in our diet, widespread use of antibiotics and cleaning products, and less time outdoors contribute to the decrease of microbial diversity we are exposed to, and that leads to negative health consequences.
The book cites a number of fascinating research studies, which document the links between environmental factors, microbiota, and health. For example, are kids who grow up on farms more or less susceptible to allergies? How does growing up with a dog or another pet in the house make a difference? (Spoiler: there is evidence that exposure to dogs early in life decreases the risk of developing asthma and allergies later in life (Finlay and Arietta, p.121) .

The most intriguing part of the book:
To me, it was the chapter which explored the connections between gut microbiota and the brain. When you read how digestive issues may be linked to the quality of intestinal microbiota, it feels like something to be expected. For example, typical Western diet (lots of sugar and refined grains) is associated with poor microbial diversity, diabetes and obesity. However, I wouldn't immediately think about gut microbes in connection with cognitive and emotional problems, or neurological disorders, such as autism. That is why I found research studies and anecdotal evidence described in the book eye-opening and even shocking in some cases.

The most helpful part of the book:

Dos and Don'ts at the end of each chapter, which give practical, balanced, and down-to-earth recommendations about the ways you can use the information in the chapter in your own life. One suggestion is balancing your diet to include more fiber: foods rich in fiber digest more slowly and "feed" microbiota in the colon. Lots of recommendations will be helpful for parents.

What else I enjoyed about the book:

I found the book to be consistently research-based, informative, and explaining scientific data in a clear and engaging manner. It was hard to put down!

Who I would recommend this book to:

parents, especially of young children, and parents-to-be
anyone who wants to create a healthier home environment, lifestyle, and diet for themselves and their family
anyone interested in workings of our immune system
people who like learning about health and disease prevention in an informative and entertaining way
I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I did!
This review was originally published here: https://www.mintandmoment.com/reading...

[Verčiant Puslapius | Ina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Priskirčiau šitą knygą prie sąrašo "Būtina perskaityti visiems būsimiems ar esamiems tėvams", tačiau paėmus bendrai, knyga tikrai nėra skirta TIK tėvams. Man pačiai buvo be galo įdomu panagrinėti, pažinti savo organizmą, susipažinti su informacija, kuri galbūt pravers kada nors ateityje.

Sužinojau begalę negirdėtų dalykų, naujų faktų, kurie privertė mane į gyvenimą, mitybą ir, apskritai, į savo gyvenimo būdą pažvelgti kitaip.

Knygoje itin detaliai nagrinėjama tema kaip mityba, sterilumas ir valgymo įpročiai ir vaistų naudojimas keičia mūsų gyvenimus.

Turinys labai platus, apimantis ne tik mikrobus, bet ir labai dažnai sutinkamas ligas, tokias kaip autizmo spektro sutrikimai, hiperaktyvumas, astma, alergijos, žarnyno uždegimai bei dirgliosios žarnos sindromas.

Visko išvardinti neįmanoma, tad jei tik jums įdomu panašios temos, tikrai labai labai rekomenduoju jums šią knygą perskaityti.

Taigi, mikrobai ne visada yra blogai. Mums jų netgi labai labai reikia, kad mūsų organizmai išsivystytų sveiki ir būtų atsparūs aplinkos veiksniams.

Knygoje tiek daug prisižymėjau svarbių, įdomių vietų, kad net gaila buvo lipdukų vėliau. Net neklijavau kai kur 😂😂
Keliomis iš jų pasidalinsiu su jumis.

⚜️Ar žinojote, kad gimdymas cezario pjūvio būdu iš esmės keičia vaiko mikrobiotą? Tai reiškia, kad gimdamas jis negauna visų įprastai gaunamų mikrobų, kurie ateityje gali turėti įtakos vaiko atsparumui ligoms, tai gali būti susiję su virškinimo problemomis, netgi nutukimu!

⚜️Mikrobai padeda reguliuoti medžiagų apykaitą. Mikrobų neturinčios pelės sveria daug mažiau nei augintos įprastai, tačiau vos tik jas pradeda kolonizuoti bakterijos, priauga 60proc daugiau svorio, nors ėda tiek pat.

⚜️2010m. duomenimis, visame pasaulyje buvo suvartota 63 000 tonų antibiotikų.

⚜️Per nėštumą motinos patirtas stresas yra susijęs su vaikų neurologinėmis ligomis, šizofrenija ir autizmo spektro sutrikimais.

⚜️Nors antibiotikai ar dezinfekcinis skystis yra labai naudingas dalykas daugelyje situacijų, tai keičia mūsų gyvenimus mums to nė nežinant.

[Biggus · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll quote Shayla's review. 'The premise is promising, and I agree with the main sentiment that a healthy microbiome is critical. Unfortunately, the book contains little useful information and a disconcerting amount of misinformation unrelated to the main topic.' Spot on!

She hit the nail on the head. A healthy microbiome is critical, but this book doesn't begin to tell you how to get one, apart from stuff we all know anyway. In fact, they state that a low fat diet, full of healthy whole grains, topped up with tofu, is good for you. Yeah right. :( Well, maybe that sort of thinking is why we ended up here in the first place guys. Stick to bug study, and keep away from pre-conceived ideas of what is good and bad. If those things are good, it is hard to explain why doing the opposite, and changing to (low carb) high fat, grain and soy free diet fixes the problems caused by eating these things in the first place!

Sure, eat plenty of fibre, plenty of veg, these are givens, but low fat and grain? Tofu? Come on.

When in the same sentence they said to avoid sugar, and eat fruit instead, I nearly choked. What do they think fruit is? Sugar with some fibre and micronutrients, but sugar nonetheless, and the worst of all the sugars too, the evil fructose.

I gave it 3 hours of listening to the worst narrator in history, but pulled the pin. I have read several books on this topic, and they were all a lot more informative, and interesting, than this one. Don't get me wrong, I agree 100% with underlying topic of the book, just not the conclusions and advice given along with it, or the style in which it is presented.

The constant apologetic tone of the book annoyed me too. You have your opinions and facts guys, state the damn things, don't apologise for them. Stupid damned political correctness. Forget it. Say what you think! Like me :)

[Brieanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book did what it set out to do: heighten awareness on certain issues like over-sanitization and anti-bacterial everything. It's an excellent discussion starter on the topic for parents or individuals who work with children. I found particularly fascinating the parts about the developing microbiome and all the ways in which we destroy it and build it up (for better or for worse).

The rest of the book covers correlations amongst various health conditions (i.e. diabetes, asthma, mental health) and the microbiome--without necessarily saying, "a+b=c". It's merely a discussion of "the research" from the author's perspective.

From a nutrition/foodie perspective, I personally wish the book went a little bit more into ancient food preparation and fermentation--and the history of honoring the "bugs" long before we knew what they were. It does this in some ways talking about farm kids vs. city kids and kids, etc....and those parts I really enjoyed.

In regards to the topics that the author opposed, like not having your children vaccinated, I would have liked to have learned more about why he/she has his/her viewpoint. The author basically says most science opposing vaccines is "bad science". But how so? How did you come to that conclusion and state that without anything to back it up? From a parental perspective, I want to learn why you feel that way so I too can make my own educated decisions. So, I yearned for a little bit MORE information in some chapters.

In regards to my understanding on the microbiome, there are better books that delve a little further into the topic of our bacteria (like "Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride")....if you are wanting to know "more" about the whys and hows. But overall, I thought this book did a great job explaining many of the areas affecting our lives by living in an "over-sanitized world".