Why You Should Remove Your Shoes BEFORE Entering Your Home

Many of us have fallen into the habit of kicking our shoes off at the door when we get home every day. Removing our shoes is something we don't think about twice; it is just our way of switching into relaxation mode after a hectic afternoon. However, removing our shoes should not just be about our comfort. New studies suggest that slipping out of our sneakers before we step inside could actually protect our family's health! Shoes are absolute breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, and walking around our houses in them can be a real threat to our wellbeing. Don't believe us? Keep reading to learn more!

According to Healthy, Wild and Free, a study conducted by the University of Houston revealed that almost 40 percent of shoes contain a bacteria called C. diff (or Clostridium difficile), which has become a major danger since it is actually resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. Exposure to this bacteria can lead to conditions like diarrhea, colon inflammation and other severe health concerns that may have trouble responding to treatment.

>> Read more: Your 'Second Brain': How Your Gut Impacts Your Health

Still not convinced that kicking off those pumps is worth it? Another study by the University of Arizona found that nine different kinds of bacteria can be found on the bottoms of our shoes, and 27 percent of that bacteria was E. coli! That makes them dirtier than our toilet seats! Those same experts also deduced that, within only two weeks of wearing new shoes, 440,000 units of bacteria were found on the bottoms. Among that bacteria, they found Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can contribute to serious respiratory problems like pneumonia.

Let's remember that our feet aren't the only things that come in contact with our floors. For those of us with babies and toddlers, all that extra bacteria we tramp around the house can become a real issue when we've got youngsters crawling and rolling all around the floor. In addition to numerous forms of bacteria, our shoes also contain significant traces of oil, fecal matter, petroleum byproducts, and germs. By wearing our shoes around the house, we are exposing our whole family to these nasty elements!

>> Read more: The Germiest Surfaces in Your House

We highly recommend ditching those heels, boots, sandals, and gym shoes in the garage. Contamination can happen in an instant, so even if you know it will only take 5 seconds to grab your keys off the counter, don't take the risk! The wellbeing of you and your family is much more important than a moment of convenience! For more information, check out our source: Healthy, Wild and Free.