Why it's okay to pick your nose!

Some people don't like to talk about it.  Some people feel uncomfortable when others do it. 

I, for one, thoroughly enjoy picking my nose.  Perhaps I do it a little too much, but hey, we're all human right?

So why do we pick our noses?  What's going on here?  Why does it feel so darn good?

Our nasal passages are lined with hairs and mucus that is designed to protect the respiratory system.  When we breath in through our nose this system of protection prevents much of the potentially harmful material in the air from entering into our lungs.  This dust and debris can contain allergens and germs that could potentially be harmful, especially if ingested through the delicate respiratory path. This material sticks to the mucus in our noses and our nose hairs, and the result is - boogers! 

So why are we so temped to remove these little gold gems?  Because they are mostly made up of foreign material that does not belong in our bodies.  It's only natural that we want to get them out of there!

Even though other people may look at you in disgust, just politely let them know that you're just "removing foreign matter".  They'll understand.

I do have to note that you can cause damage to your nasal passages by picking your nose too much or too forcefully, so please, take it easy on the schnoz. 

So what about eating those boogers?  I can't say I recommend it.  However, I should note that some doctors have said that it may help the immune system to eat them by exposing yourself to the potential allergens and germs.  The stomach is a better place to develop a resistance to this substances than the lungs.  It's kind of like a booger vaccine!

Further Reading (if you're so inclined):

http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/nose-throat/why-do-have-boogers.htm

http://www.sciencealert.com/the-science-of-mucus-and-nose-picking

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/03/eating-boogers-healthy/