The steady rise of food allergies in the developed world is still largely a mystery, but a growing number of theories and research projects are now competing to solve it. One increasingly popular explanation, called hygiene hypothesis, posits that Western civilization has become too clean as a result of antibacterial soaps, a reduction in farms and household animals, and smaller family sizes. These factors, the thinking goes, have thrown our immune systems into disarray and given rise to severe allergic reactions to various foods.
An interesting idea, but a little fuzzy as scientific theory goes. In a story this week, The New York Times zooms in on one very specific reason munching dirt might be good for babies: tiny, tiny worms.
From the article:
In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system. Several continuing studies suggest that worms may help to redirect an immune system that has gone awry and resulted in autoimmune disorders, allergies and asthma.
These studies, along with epidemiological observations, seem to explain why immune system disorders like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and allergies have risen significantly in the United States and other developed countries.
