'Go play outside': Gastro doctor, Dr. Pal warns excessive hygiene could backfire for kids, shares eye-opening advice

In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, popularly known as Dr. Pal, highlighted the dangers of overzealous hygiene habits in children. Using humor and real-life examples, he illustrated how some kids now treat outdoor play as a six-stage obstacle course of cleaning, from scrubbing legs and shoes to multiple baths and blow-drying sessions.

“What are you guys doing inside? Go play outside,” begins the video, capturing the reluctance of children overwhelmed by excessive sanitization. Dr. Pal notes that while these routines might seem protective, they can inadvertently limit essential childhood experiences.

The hidden benefits of a little dirt
Dr. Pal emphasizes that not all germs are harmful. “A little dirt helps build strong, resilient bodies,” he explains. Children exposed to moderate environmental microbes develop more robust immune systems, better gut health, and improved resistance to allergies and infections later in life. Over-sanitization, on the other hand, may compromise natural defenses and delay healthy microbial development.

Rethinking modern parenting
The gastroenterologist urges parents to let kids explore safely rather than obsessing over extreme cleanliness. Moderation, he explains, is key: protecting children from real hazards is necessary, but shielding them from all germs can be counterproductive. His advice blends practical medical insight with relatable humor, making the message both engaging and memorable.

Dr. Palaniappan Manickam is a gastroenterologist, health educator, and comedian based in California, known for combining humor with medical advice on social media. He specializes in gut health, time-restricted eating, and mostly plant-based diets.

This video serves as a timely reminder that some dirt is good, and overprotecting children from microbes might do more harm than good.