WHAT HAPPENED WHEN SCIENTISTS HAD A CLOSER LOOK AT DIRTY BELLY BUTTONS?
We tend to not give much thought to the belly button. In truth, most of us probably forget it’s even there most of the time. But a few articles on the ol’ internet, mixed in with some facts and figures might just change that for you…
In 2012, a group of scientists swabbed 60 dirty belly buttons and identified a total of around 2,368 species of bacteria. Of the 2,368 species of bacteria, National Geographic claimed that 1,458 of the species identified ‘may be new to science.’
One man was found to have bacteria that was previously only found in Japan – a place where he’d never travelled to!
Whilst many of us probably haven’t paid too much attention to the cleanliness of our belly buttons, scientists all claim it’s good practice to wash your belly button with soap and water when you can. And to definitely not use alcohol – as it can upset the pH balance.
Furthermore, if you don’t clean your belly button regularly, and the conditions are just right, “microorganisms can proliferate and cause an infection.” And who wants that…!?
Lastly, a previous study conducted in 2012 found “67 different types of bacteria are in the average person’s belly button” and as you can see above, the bacteria can cause further issues.
So to conclude, wash your belly buttons, folks. It can get pretty dirty down there…