by Sandra Williams
Scientists want to rename the hygiene hypothesis because they’re concerned we’ll all simply stop scrubbing our homes, let our children roll around in the mud and handle raw chicken or something. (Dirty homes bug hygiene scientists)
The hygiene hypothesis is that exposure to germs can actually strengthen our immune systems, while being overly sanitized can contribute towards more allergies and health problems.
The gist of it is that when children are exposed to things such as strange foods and germs, their immune system overreacts because it doesn’t have enough previous practice.
It’s sensible to wash before handling food or eating but there does seem to be more hand sanitizing going on than there was in the past. It is coincidental that allergies have increased. Could less dirt mean more allergies?
We now have immunizations for major diseases but the trade off has been an increase of allergies like hay fever, food allergies, asthma and eczema.
Pets boost immune system
Simply having a pet can make your immune system stronger according to a study at Warwick University in Coventry. They tested 138 children and the ones with pets had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, giving them a stronger immune system.
Other factors that contribute towards a stronger immune system are the size of your family and/or exposure to other children. It makes sense because when they’re exposed to other children and germs, it can help them build up antibodies for bigger things.
Pets will definitely expose you to more germs around the house but maybe that’s a good thing. See BBC News, Pets boost children’s health for more information.
Scientists want to rename the hygiene hypothesis because they’re concerned we’ll all simply stop scrubbing our homes, let our children roll around in the mud and handle raw chicken or something. (Dirty homes bug hygiene scientists)
Leave a Reply