We all know it—a nose-picking habit is disgusting, embarrassing, and frowned upon. However, one study said it's actually good for kids!
We love our kids but let's admit it — they can stun us sometimes with the gross things they do. A nose-picking habit (where they also eat their snot) is one of these.
Are you looking at your kids right now, imagining them picking their nose and eating their boogers? Don't figuratively look away — your child is fine.
The thing is, almost everyone has done it at one point during their childhoods. It's normal. We just outgrow it as adults. One study revealed that, and get this, we should, in fact, be eating our boogers and encouraging our kids to do the same.
Boogers have health benefits???
Their reason is this. They found that boogers actually have a wide range of health benefits, and it’s important for growing children.
The researchers found that snot contains salivary mucins which form a barrier against cavity-causing bacteria.
Their findings seem to be promising as they are now looking into ways they can create synthetic mucus. And this synthetic mucus could be made into chewing gum or toothpaste that provides the same benefits as boogers.
According to their study, there’s also evidence that suggests the mucus in snot can defend people against respiratory infections, stomach ulcers, and even HIV.
The next time your kid has a cold, maybe you should just tell them to eat their snot!
People who have a nose-picking habit are happier (no kidding)
Professor Friedrich Bischinger, an Australian lung specialist, believes people with a nose-picking habit are healthier, happier, and (probably) more in tune with their bodies than other people who don’t have a nose picking habit.
“And eating the dry remains of what you pull out is a great way of strengthening the body’s immune system. Medically it makes great sense and is a perfectly natural thing to do,” he said.
“In terms of the immune system, the nose is a filter in which plenty of bacteria are collected, and when this mixture arrives in the intestines it works just like a medicine,” he added.
Nose-picking and social stigma
Bischinger also believes we should get rid of the social stigma around people’s nose-picking habit. He said parents should actually encourage their children to do so.
We can all take this with a grain of salt, though. This study was published despite previous reports and medical advice that claim a nose-picking habit can result in nosebleeds and infections.
Even if nose-picking is found to be healthy, tell your kids not to overdo it. Remind them that they should avoid nose-picking when their nails are unusually long as this may cause abrasions in their noses which may lead to infections.