
Why Does Everyone Have Food Allergies These Days?
Gastropod
The Hygiene Hypothesis and Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions to food have increased by over 300% in the last decade, with half of adults developing allergies after the age of 18. The rise in allergies is attributed to the Hygiene Hypothesis, which suggests that our modern clean environments lack exposure to diverse bacteria and parasites essential for immune system training. Children growing up on farms with livestock are less likely to develop allergies, possibly due to exposure to farm dust containing bacteria, pet dander, and other allergens.
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