What is causing the rise in allergies?
A leading theory behind the rising allergy and asthma diagnosis rates is the "hygiene hypothesis." This theory suggests that living conditions in much of the world might be too clean and that kids aren't being exposed to germs that train their immune systems to tell the difference between harmless and harmful irritants. Many experts believe that lifestyle changes associated with diet and activity are leading to rising rates of chronic diseases Some research indicates that increased use of certain medications contribute to the increase in asthma. Studies have shown that increased antibiotic use parallels the rise in allergy and asthma, rising rates of asthma may, in part, be due to a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for lung and immune system development. Because children tend to spend more time indoors than in past generations, this reduces their exposure to sunlight. This results in reduced vitamin D production. Food allergy is a rising, global ep...