The Hygiene Hypothesis and Allergies

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Scientists have no idea why allergies are going up so much. One of the best guesses is this idea called the hygiene hypothesis. We've seen allergies rise with development in countries as sanitation has improved. More scientists are advocating for a graduated and deliberate way of exposing infants and toddlers to potential allergens.

In the past few decades, the rate of food allergies in both children and adults has dramatically increased. What’s causing this rise, and what can we do about it?

For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable

It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.

Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com

We read every email.

Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices