Are Experts Finally Embracing The Hygiene Hypothesis?

[Guest guest]

Are Experts Finally Embracing the Hygiene Hypothesis?

 

 

Mounting evidence in support of the hygiene hypothesis -- the theory

that early exposure to dirt and germs programs the immune system to

identify threats -- is leading researchers to test remedies based on

the theory.

 

These new approaches could benefit the more than 50 million people

with allergic diseases. Asthma alone causes 2 million emergency room

visits, and 500,000 hospitalizations, every year.

 

Childhood Exposure

 

Studies testing the curative powers of the hygiene hypothesis include

a seven-year test exposing children to peanuts to see if they will

develop peanut allergies less frequently, and a similar study

exposing children to airborne allergens such as ragweed.

 

Studies on Adults

 

Other research includes attempts to " retrain " the immune systems of

adults. One strategy being investigated involves creating a series of

shots that will cause the immune system to treat potential allergens

in the same manner as bacteria, thereby preventing allergic attacks.

 

Similar strategies could also eventually benefit those who suffer

from autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn's disease.

 

 

Sources:

USA Today March 20, 2006

 

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Dr. Mercola's Comments:

 

Evidence supporting the hygiene hypothesis has been mounting for

nearly a decade. I was pleasently surprised to see this story in the

USA Today suggesting that conventional medicine is finally adopting

this approach.

 

This is important as asthma alone accounts for half a million trips

to the hospital a year in the United States, including 2 million

admissions to the emergency room.

 

Preventable allergies are costing this nation's health system a

frightening $18 billion annually. Much of this spending can be blamed

on asthma, especially useless drugs that can be fatal to your health.

 

Please understand, the world you live in today is not the place your

body was meant to live in. You were meant to have regular contact

with dirt and everything it comes with. When you do so, especially

growing up as a child, it trains your immune system to function

correctly.

 

Simply speaking, your immune system is composed of two main groups

that work together to protect you. One arm of the immune system

deploys specialized white blood cells, called Th1 lymphocytes, that

direct an assault on infected cells throughout your body.

 

Counterbalancing this, another arm of the immune system attacks

intruders even earlier. It produces antibodies that try to block

dangerous microbes from invading the body's cells in the first place.

 

This latter strategy uses a different variety of white blood cells,

called Th2 lymphocytes. The Th2 system also happens to drive allergic

responses to foreign organisms.

 

At birth, an infant's immune system appears to rely primarily on the

Th2 system. But the hygiene hypothesis suggests that the Th1 system

can grow stronger only if it gets exercise, either through fighting

infections or through encounters with certain harmless microbes.

Without such stimulation, the Th2 system flourishes and the immune

system tends to react with allergic responses more easily.

 

This process is also a good reason for you to limit your use of

antibacterial products and antibiotics, and research the pros and

cons of vaccines before you make the decision to use them on your

child.

 

 

Related Articles:

 

 

Bacteria In House Dust May Help Prevent Allergies

 

Get Rid of Allergies for Good

 

Hygiene Hypothesis of Asthma

 

 

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articles/archive/2006/04/08/are-experts-

finally-embracing-the-hygiene-hypothesis.aspx