This Bad Habit May Actually Be Surprisingly Good for You
Vices: Everyone’s got ‘em, and if yours just so happens to be chewing on that mirror- or coffin–style mani and you just can’t seem to quit (even after trying these six bad-habit-breaking tactics), you’re in luck: It might not be as bad as you think. In fact, it may even do you some good!
According to a new study by Pediatrics, which took a good hard look at the thumb-sucking and nail-biting habits of 1,037 children, those who developed such behaviors early on were less likely to be riddled with conditions such as asthma and hay fever later in life.
But why, you say? Well, according to the good doctors conducting the study, these common childhood addictions (31% indulged in the once-perceived “naughty” behaviors) increased the children’s microbial exposure, therefore making them more resistant/immune to germs and/or negatively associated conditions.
In short? Exposure to more germs = less chance of allergy sensitivities.
While it’s not exactly the most pleasant thought — extra germ ingestion through nail biting: yummy! — it IS reassuring to know there’s a silver lining in even the most unexpected of bad-habit clouds.
Are you encouraged or grossed out by this bad-habit news? Share with us over @BritandCo!
(h/t Hello Giggles, photos via Getty)