YOU might think being asked to slip off your shoes before entering a home is overkill – but a doctor has revealed a revolting reason you should never wear shoes indoors.
Keeping your footwear on inside your house may even be “life-threatening” in some cases, he claimed.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard -educated gastroenterologist, shared a clip with his 499,000 followers on TikTok.
The 42-year-old urged people not to wear shoes indoors – especially in your own home – as they can spread dangerous bugs and germs.
In the clip, which has racked up 122,000 views and over a thousand likes, he explained that as a doctor, he follows a strict “no outdoor shoes inside home” policy.
“This is because shoes can carry various toxins,” Dr Sethi, from California, US, said.
“Including pesticides, chemicals, viruses and bacteria, [as well as] heavy metals like lead.”
Revoltingly, shoes may even transfer bacteria from poop into your carpets and floors, he warned.
The doctor referred back to research showing 96 per cent of shoe soles carry faecal bacteria, including E. coli.
He continues: “This can lead to severe gut infections and UTIs.
“This is especially concerning in homes with crawling children, who have a habit of putting everything in their mouths.”
E. coli bacteria can cause grim gut infections, while also infecting the urinary tract or other parts of the body.
Some dangerous strains make you sick with watery diarrhoea, vomiting and a fever if ingested.
Those that produce Shiga toxin, can cause serious illness, including kidney damage.
Newborns and young children are especially at risk from E. coli infections, as are those over 65, with weakened immune systems, diabetes or ulcerative colitis.
To minimise health risks, Dr Sethi urged people to remove their shoes before entering any home.
Users flocked to the comments to share their reactions.
“That’s a number one rule in my home,” one said.
Another user added: “None of my family wear outdoor shoes inside. We have our shoes near the front door.”
Someone else said: “I’ve been wearing shoes inside all my life never had a gut infection or UTIs.”
“So my mum was right?” a fourth person commented.