Winter rain and snow is welcome during a drought, and this year, it also has contributed to an explosion of wildflowers and tree blooms—wonderful to look at, but a little hard on the pollen-sensitive. If you are welcoming the spring colors through itchy eyes and a runny nose, this article is for you.
The number of people with allergies is on the rise in Western Countries, perhaps, believe it or not, because we are “too clean”. In fact, studies have shown that children exposed to dogs, cats and other animals when they are young are less likely to become allergic to them than children who are not exposed. Coming into contact with normal bacteria, animals, and dirt—the traditional exposures that all humans in agrarian societies have had, actually helps our immune systems to develop in a balanced way. Living in an “anti-bacterial” society may cause the immune system to be “over-zealous” against non-threatening exposures, such as animals, pollen, dust mites, or mold. What’s the take-home message here? Avoid anti-bacterial soaps and hand gels—regular soap works just well to clean one’s hands. And don’t worry too much about your children rolling around with the dog and eating dirt.