27 Feb 2024
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By Dr. Ross
25% of Australians are affected by some form of Type 1 allergy which includes asthma, hay fever, urticaria and anaphylaxis. Allergies can come in the form of food, pollen, dust, house mites, mould or even allergies to animals.
Over the years, there have been a number of different hypotheses proposed to explain this disturbing and seemingly increasing condition.
A study was performed in 1989, in the United Kingdom, looking at allergies in 17,000 children. The study revealed that younger siblings in large families had less hay fever than their older siblings or children from small families.
Even as far back as 1873, it was considered by some that hay fever was a disease of the educated class because hay fever rarely occurred in farmers or people who lived in less sanitary conditions.
The hygiene-infection-allergy hypothesis has been proven wrong with various studies concluding there does not seem to be a direct link between exposure to viral illnesses and pathogenic bacteria in early childhood and having less allergies as an adult. But, there does appear to be a link between exposure to a diverse range of good bacteria, fungi and other bugs that don’t make us as sick as adults.
I often quote my grandfather, who didn’t have an ounce of medical training, stating to me on numerous occasions, “if a child hasn’t eaten a bucket of dirt by the age of five then the child isn’t healthy”. Although I’m not suggesting we should see consuming dirt as medical treatment, it certainly appears that there is some physiological sense to what my grandfather was suggesting.
There appears to be a number of good bacteria in dirt that block the allergic response in our bodies. As our lifestyle has become increasingly centred around living in urban environments, studies have shown that those who live close to green, biodiverse ecosystems are healthier, have lower blood pressure, less diabetes, premature death and allergies. Those people brought up on a farm or near forests have much less asthma and allergies. Thus, the suggestion is that the increased diversity of healthy bacteria with reduced pathogenic bacteria trains the immune system not to react to potential allergenic triggers.
Thus, we should be encouraging all children to play outdoors in gardens and parks. We should be encouraging fresh and fermented foods and reduce exposure (as much as possible) to antibiotics throughout childhood. For adults, where possible, try to live as close to green space as possible. Get out into nature as often as you can, enjoy a weekend away on a farm or go on a camping trip. Eat varied and wholesome foods, incorporate exercise into your daily routine and get enough sleep. All these habits will help promote a more robust immune system that can help fight allergies.
As for all things relating to your health speak with your GP or a relevant medical professional. For all your financial health contact PSK on (02) 8365 8300 or visit psk.com.au
General Advice Warning - Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it’s appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
