New data further strengthens the hypothesis that exposure to viral infections or endotoxins in early childhood is protective against the development of asthma. In this study, 1314 children were followed from birth to 7 years, and the number and type of infections were assessed by questionnaire. Children who had had two or more upper respiratory tract infections, such as rhinitis, had the risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma reduced from 6.3% to 3.2% at age 7. If the child‘s parents had a history of asthma the reduction was even greater (10.3% to 4.7%).
Another finding was that children with dogs and no parental history of asthma were nearly 50% less likely to develop frequent wheezing. There was, however, no protective effect if either parent had asthma. Researchers explain that the rationale behind the "hygiene hypothesis" is that exposure to certain types of infectious agents and endotoxins is essential for maturation the immune system, and that less exposure leads to an imbalance of certain types of immune responses.
The 96th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (Toronto, Canada; May 5-10)
It seems clear that we need expsoure to bacteria for a healthy immune system, as natural bacteria and viruses act as natural vaccines. Healthy immune systems should not be assaulted with unnatural vaccines or poor diet choices (such as soy infant formula, a poor substitute for breast milk), especially in early childhood. If we stay away from these, we can build the appropriate antibody and immune response systems and prevent many diseases (not just asthma) as we grow into adulthood and beyond.
Some 50 million people suffer from allergies in the United States alone. If you are among them, you should seriously consider utilizing what is perhaps the most effective preventive against allergens in your home: a high-quality air purifier. However, be very careful. Most of the models out there, especially the popular ones, don't get the job done properly.
My team and I have analyzed this, and the one home air purifier I now recommend highly is the Way Healthier Air Purifier. I encourage you to read more about it, including why the technology it uses makes it so much more reliable and effective than other types of air purifiers.
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