[drb311]

If you really wanted to test the five second rule, you'd have to be broader. Who is overall better off?

1. The person who NEVER eats food off the floor 2. The person will ALWAYS eats food off the floor 3. The person who follows the 5-second rule

I wouldn't be surprised if the 5 second rule gives its followers a net benefit. You're slightly more likely to get sick, but you waste less food and live a less paranoid life.

I'm sticking with it, but not for watermelon.

[dvdcxn]

Exposure to bugs also builds up resistance. I wonder if eating food off the ground leaves you with a stronger immune system?

[r_smart]

The thing that really a noticeable difference in my immune system was working in a bar. You come into contact with so many people, many of whom don't take good care of themselves, and end up collecting / washing the glasses they have been drinking out of, shaking their hands, handling their IDs, wrestling them out of the building. I was sick constantly for like six months, but after that, I almost never got sick again.

Sadly, it appears to be wearing off. I was sick for a fair bit last winter, and it'll probably be the same again this year.

[CuriouslyC]

Purely anecdotal, but I eat lots of unpasturized fermented food, I re-use silverware/dishes/cutting board with just a quick moist cloth wipe, and I haven't been sick in around 7 years. Occasionally I'll notice increased mucus and mild inflammation my nose/throat that tells me I've been exposed to something, but it always goes away within about 8 hours.

[lexhaynes]

I noticed this as well when I started taking probiotics, eating unpasteurized cheeses, and having sauerkraut or kimchi every other day or so.

I'll get a sniffle for a day and then that'I'll be the end of it. I haven't been sick in a year.