<DIV>In the two-hundred years since we discovered that microbes cause infectious diseases, we’ve battled to keep them at bay. But a recent explosion of scientific knowledge has led to undeniable evidence that early exposure to these organisms is beneficial to our children’s well-being. Our modern lifestyle, with its emphasis on hyper-cleanliness, is taking a toll on our children’s lifelong health.  <BR />  <BR /> In this engaging and important book, microbiologists Finlay and Arrieta explain how the millions of microbes that live in and on our bodies influence childhood development; why an imbalance in those microbes can lead to obesity, diabetes, asthma, autism, and reactions to vaccines, among other chronic conditions; and what parents can do--from conception on--to positively impact their own behaviors and those of their children, based on solid scientific evidence. They describe how natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and solid foods influence children’s microbiota and offer practical advice on such matters as whether to sterilize food implements for babies, the use of antibiotics, and why having pets is a good idea.<BR />  <BR /> Far-reaching and informative<I>, Let Them Eat Dirt</I> can improve the health of children for generations to come.</DIV>