new science: dirt and worms strengthen immune system

this article in today's NY Times (click title to read article) turns some conventional wisdom about hygiene on its head.

scientists are learning that babies putting everything in their mouths are actually educating their immune systems, which is like a blank slate at birth.

“Children raised in an ultraclean environment,” one researcher said, “are not being exposed to organisms that help them develop appropriate immune regulatory circuits.”

intestinal worms may be the biggest player in regulating appropriate immune system responses. scientists say they are mostly harmless in well-nourished people, that humans have adapted to them.

win argentina, introducing a certain kind of worm has reversed MS symptoms. in gambia, eradication of worms increased skin allergies in children.

our modern penchant for cleanliness may explain why allergies, asthma, MS, type 1 diabetes, IBS, crohn's, and other autoimmune problems and diseases have risen in the developed world.

no one is suggesting a return to filth, just hoping to increase awareness that there a price for too much cleanliness.

let children play barefoot in the dirt and have dogs and cats, they advise. soap and water are good enough, no need for antibacterial products.