Parasites and Allergies

[GeneW]

It is well established that intestinal parasites dampen mammalian immune reactions. But in a surprise result, scientists have found that another kind of parasite – the body louse – does too. That means the epidemic of allergic disorders in modern, urban people might be due to our having rid ourselves of lice and worms.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16997-freedom-from-lice-may-have-led-to-modern-allergies.html

Gene

[SailDesign]

Cool! I have always wondered about being "too clean". And made sure that we aren't. I will not allow "antibacterial" soap or dishwashing liquid in the house, as it makes my nose go funny. Regular soap gets used as often as needed, so don't worry.... :biggrin:

[GeneW]

Would explain the explosion of Asthma in the developed world. May not just be from air pollution but a lack of exposure to parasites.

[SIPNGAS]

I just heard and read about that. Very interesting but not new. There are a lot of people who think we SO over do it with the disinfecting products. Our bodies have NO chance to defend themselves without some exposure.

[jinxor]

I agree... here in the developed countries, ppl are more exposed to diseases than the ones who have at least a contact with them....

Honestly, I never understood how can someone have lactose tolerance... cmon.. isnt that the first thing you drink in your life... ??

[SIPNGAS]

I agree... here in the developed countries, ppl are more exposed to diseases than the ones who have at least a contact with them....

Honestly, I never understood how can someone have lactose tolerance... cmon.. isnt that the first thing you drink in your life... ??

Not if the mother nurses...

that's actually a pretty common allergy and many aren't even aware some problems they have are due to milk products...and more often it's not the Lactose in the milk but other properties.

[GeneW]

Honestly, I never understood how can someone have lactose tolerance... cmon.. isnt that the first thing you drink in your life... ??

We lose our baby teeth, why not the enzyme lactase? Seems that only ethnic groups that can reliably consume milk in adulthood are descendants of herding societies.

Gene

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Yeah, at the rate America is going with antibacterial this and antibacterial that, we're going to have a really bad super bug.

[supmet]

I'll take asthma over typhus, thanks

[SailDesign]

I'll take asthma over typhus, thanks

You won't prevent typhus by using antibac soap any more than you will GET typhus from not using it. A little healthy dirt is good for you.