Dirt x Allergies
Autor: Érico | Publicado: 2013-01-18T12:59:00-02:00

Nature lovers now have one extra reason to justify their passion for 
the outdoors: dirt. Apparently, dirt may be beneficial in the struggle 
against allergies, one of the modern world new epidemics.
In the past 20 years, severe allergy cases have doubled in developed 
countries. We live under de impression that all kids are allergic to 
something.
There are several theories to explain this alarming increase: food 
conservants, increased exposure to chemicals and population explosion 
are among the preferred. But recently, another theory is gaining 
impulse: the lack of dirt.
Hygiene hypothesis: mentioned in a National Geographic Article 
(suggested readings below), this hypothesis says that modern 
immunological systems, from people that grew in practically sterile 
urban environments, may not have been trained in the infanthood, 
becoming susceptible when in contact with exotic and strange substances 
as pollen, dog’s and cat’s hair, fungus among others.
Modern life brought good medical care and have also reduced 
contagious diseases, but brought also an excessive care for cleaning. 
This has reduced children’s contact with some agents found in dirt. And 
this lack of exposure may be what is causing the increase in allergy 
cases.
The hypothesis is not simple and has also caused a great controversy,
 but some facts are intriguing and point towards its direction:

Respiratory allergies are more common in rich society than in poor ones;
Children that attended daycare are less susceptible to develop allergies;
There are less allergy cases among people raised in the countryside than among the ones raised in the cities;
People that live in farms, having frequent contact with farm animals, rarely develop allergies.

For kids only
This hypothesis is based on the fact of us being exposed or not to 
certain agents in our infanthood, when our immune system is still 
learning and getting trained to defend our bodies against external 
aggressions.
Therefore, sleeping outside, drinking water from creeks and having 
contacts with farm animals, despite how fun it may be, would not help an
 adult immune system, which is already not trained and is sensitive to 
the substances strange to our infancy.
In this case we would have to rely only on medicine to reduce the 
symptoms, treatments to reduce our sensitivity or, the most efficient 
solution toward allergies: avoiding contact with what is causing it.
It is already too late for us, but, if this hypothesis is right, 
there is still hope for our kids. They are training their immune systems
 and, a little bit dirt may be helpful. At least some kind of dirt.
As most of us are not ready to share the living room with cows, 
despite the fresh milk, we could, at least, relax a bit with the 
cleaning. There is no need to live in a filthy home, but there is also 
no need to sterilize it. Making the baby to share its bed with six cats 
or put it to roll with dogs in the backyard may not be necessary – 
nothing against it as well – but, if the animals are calm, healthy and 
vaccinated, what’s the problem with some dog saliva in the face?
Additionally, this may serve as an excuse when arguing with the in 
laws about taking the baby for a hike or to camp. I already have a 
baby-trip backpack to take my kid to the jungle. If this text convinces 
my mother in law, off course.

Attention – The hygiene hypothesis is only a theory that tries to 
explain the recent allergy cases proliferation and is not, per se, a 
treatment or prophylactic. It is also not the immediate solution to this
 problem that attacks millions of people across the world.
And, as we are criticizing excess cleaning, we must remember that 
cleaning products are potent chemicals, which are also being 
investigated as causes of allergies and other modern diseases. Use them 
as indicated, do not overuse, and avoid direct contact, especially by 
children.
Allergy cases require medical attention. Only physicians can orient 
and follow the treatment of these diseases. See you and relax on the 
cleaning for a change.

Suggested reading:
Newman, Judith. Misery for all seasons. Allergies: a modern epidemic. National Geographic Magazine, May 2006.
Achenbach, Joel. Who Knew? Allergies. Down and Dirty. National Geographic Magazine, September 2002.