Cleanlier Lifestyles Potentially Linked to Children's Allergies

Staying clean and germ-free can prevent the spread of disease and infections, but this type of lifestyle may be responsible for an increase in allergies among children. Pediatric allergist at the University of Michigan Health System, Marc McMorris claims that with the advent of vaccines and antibiotics, the immune system is no longer burdened to the extent it was in the past. As a result, the immune system has turned away from fighting constant infection to developing allergic tendencies. The immune system is designed to battle infectious bacteria, viruses, and parasites but it can also recognize foreign substances as allergens. Allergies are the body's immune reaction to foreign substances such as pollen, mold, animal dander, dust, insect stings and certain foods that it deems harmful. Inside our homes, air tight doors and windows have increased the concentration of certain indoor allergens.