Some people might say I’m “dirty”. I don’t mean in a sexual sense, even though that is subjective as well. I’m talking about my not showering very often, and going barefoot for days without cleaning my feet.
During my second raw trial, in September one year ago, I first noticed that I started smelling less. At one point I hadn’t showered for a week, yet smelled nothing at all. Now I sometimes smell, and I think it’s when I eat a lot of fatty food. Last year I was going low-fat. Nevertheless, I don’t smell half as much as before. I used to smell slightly sweaty no matter what. As a consequence, when I broke my trial off after two weeks, the smell after/during P.E. classes was surprising. I’m glad to be rid of that problem. Now I only shower when I “feel dirty”, which happens every week or less.
When I first started going barefoot, I washed my feet every day… for about a week. Since then, I’ve simply used the doormat. The second week or so, someone asked me if I washed my feet when I got home. When I said I didn’t, this person was disgusted. Last weekend, I was at MDG’s stand at Karl Johan street in Oslo. Some guy walked past me as I offered him a flier, saying that he “wouldn’t accept anything from someone walking barefoot at Karl Johan”, apparently disgusted. He said something about bacteria and stuff, as well.
To me it seems like society at large is mysophobic. As far as I remember from biology in high school, contact with dirt is good. It keeps the immune system active. Children who grow up in “sterile” environments are much more likely to get sick later, and more severely at that, because their bodies aren’t used combat germs. As for me, I’m not afraid of getting sick, due to my boosted immune system. ;) I even pick up the peanuts I drop on the floor and eat them. Others could have a reason to worry, but I’m actually doing them a favour.
I used to think in the same way, and probably still do to some extent – I wash my hands after using the restroom, for example. After I started going barefoot, I’ve become more at ease with dirt. As a bonus, I save water. And anyway, it’s just dirt. :)
Monday, 14. September 2009
I totally agree! :þ :D
Sunday, 20. September 2009
Oh, but you must remember that in the old days, mortality was much higher. When we started cleaning our hands there was a sudden decrease in mortality.
We don’t see big epidemics as easily, and now in these swineflu times kindergartens say that both employees and the children are remarkably less sick because of the focus on hygiene. So although I agree with much of what you say, hygiene really has it’s place.
Washing hands before making food, healing wounds, etc, is a good idea and is important.
Sunday, 20. September 2009
I blame food choices and natural hazards. :þ
No, really, I agree that washing our hands is important. Being in contact with dirt is one thing, but there’s no need to overdo it. :)
Sunday, 18. October 2009
That’s cool. I have a similar philosophy. When I went raw I didn’t notice the difference in smell, but I did find I needed to brush my teeth a lot less, and only did it when they “felt dirty” like you said. :)
As a random thing that just popped into my head, have you researched flouride-free toothpastes?
Andrew
Sunday, 18. October 2009
I didn’t notice any difference with my teeth, but I wish I had. :þ
As for fluoride-free toothpaste, I haven’t researched it, but I got one as a gift from Rose this spring. I’m still using it, and I like it. The first three times or so, it tasted awful, but now I find the toothpaste I used to use taste much worse. :)
The one I use is Weleda Pâte dentifrice saline. I don’t know what it’s called other places, but I know they sell it here too, in the organic store.
Wednesday, 21. October 2009
Oh!! I use the same toothpaste as you! Fancy that!
Wednesday, 21. October 2009
Really? That’s some coincidence! :)