No parent wants a mud-covered child trekking through the house, but new research has shown that a little bit of dirt could actually be good for kids.

Researchers at Northwestern University looked at the link between infections early in life and diseases later in life, and the came up with some interesting stuff—most notably, that being exposed to common bacteria and microbes as a kid can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as an adult. An overly squeaky-clean environment can depress the immune system’s development.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Thomas McDade, points out that parents’ obsession with protecting their kids from germs is relatively new—not to mention harmful. “We may be depriving developing immune systems of important environmental input needed to guide their function throughout childhood and into adulthood,” he says.

How can you make sure your kids get a healthy dose of bacteria in their lives? Stay away from antibacterial gels and soaps, which are unnecessary since old-fashioned soap and water will do the trip. And the next time your kid comes home covered in dirt, remember that it could help them avoid illness later in life!

-Michelle, KIWI editor

When it comes to preventing winter illnesses, don’t look for a quick fix or magic bullet. Your best defense is consistent healthy living, which comes from staying well-rested and well-nourished. When your body feels fatigued and undernourished, it makes you more susceptible to the bacteria and viruses that linger around us. When your body is healthy, your immune system tackles these invading organisms before they have a chance to make you sick.

Creating a routine around eating and sleeping will help both you and your children stay healthy. Sit down, relax and eat three meals a day—at the table—with your children. Try to avoid replacing sit-down, nourishing meals with snacking. Also, make bedtime patterns as early as you can with your children, even before they start school. This way parents have some downtime to themselves or can choose to go to bed early if they want.

Wash your hands often and be sure your children do the same. Although antibacterial soaps, gels and wipes abound, good old-fashioned soap and water do the trick. Antibacterial formulas destroy all the bacteria on our hands, both good and bad. But our skin needs an outer foundation of normal “healthy” bacteria to provide a first line of defense for our immune system. Using only antibacterial products actually diminishes our natural immunity, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

If a cold does strike, sleep, eat and drink it away. Give your body time to recover and turn in early for the night. Simplify your meals—homemade chicken soup really can do the trick. Drink plenty of warm teas to keep the body hydrated. Try adding honey to your tea, as it has antibacterial properties. And take 2-3 grams of vitamin C daily. For kids, 1 gram will do. Emergen-C and Ola Loa vitamin C drinks are easy ways for kids to boost their Vitamin C. Echinacea can help, but only if you use it at the onset of the cold—otherwise reach for medicinal mushroom formulas such as olive leaf, Oregon grape root, and lomatium.

–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.