[forgotmypw]

I think that the best thing one can do for their microbiome is to stop trying to kill germs in everything around us. Also, when a dog wants to kiss you, accept it. They are good at maintaining theirs.

Look at the ingredients on all the products you use. Unless it's Dr. Bronner's soap or something similar, chances it's harmful to both humans and microbes. Just stop using and stop buying that shit!

Sterility is good for the operating table, but not for everyday life.

[adrianN]

A lot more people used to die of disease before we figured out to wash our hands regularly.

[caconym_]

Are mortality rates significantly lower in the modern developed world (I am assuming this is true) because people in general wash their hands more? Is that what you're trying to imply?

I don't buy it. I'd attribute the difference more to technologies like vaccines and antibiotics.

[adrianN]

Proper sanitation has saved more lives than vaccines and antibiotics. Check for example this well researched Quora answer: https://www.quora.com/How-much-have-sanitation-vaccination-a...

[caconym_]

"Proper sanitation" includes much more than just hand washing (e.g. properly disposing of urine and feces rather than throwing them into the street), so you're refuting a statement that I never made.

If you can disentangle hand washing from the effects of modern sanitation in general, I'm interested to hear more.

[slfnflctd]

I agree to a point, but a lot of dogs don't get proper dental care, eat poop and lick buttholes-- sorry, but I don't want any of that on my face, I don't care how magical their saliva is supposed to be.

[astura]

Not to mention I find dog slobber to be extremely off-putting for reasons other than germs. Just like I would find it extremely off-putting if someone went up to me with a clean wet washcloth and started rubbing it on me.

[forgotmypw]

This is an indicator of your conditioning.

[forgotmypw]

This is an indicator of your conditioning.